Adult ESOL Instructor

About the Role

The ACYR team builds pathways to success through education, skill building, and employment opportunities to help youth and young adults reach self-sufficiency. The team plays a crucial role in promoting a culture of positivity, growth mindset, and hospitality by offering high-energy educational activities and services that create a welcoming environment. Every team member is responsible for building relationships and trust with youth and young adults to foster their continued participation in planned services. The role also involves connecting with the community and demonstrating ACYR’s mission. This position provides instruction based on the Arizona Adult Education ELAA Standards to prepare participants to acquire reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for completing the English Language program and transitioning to career pathways or post-secondary education.

Responsibilities

• Follow ACYR Adult Education procedures for attendance, student enrollment, assessments, curriculum, classroom instruction, and management.
• Align with ADE - AES (Arizona Department of Education - Adult Education Services) goals and strive to meet or exceed targets.
• Participate in TABE and CLAS-E (Test of Adult Basic Education) training provided by ADE – AES.
• Administer progress and exit tests to students at appropriate intervals using TABE and/or CLAS-E.
• Report all TABE data to the Data Entry Specialist and Data and Student Services Coordinator.
• Maintain accurate daily attendance records and submit weekly to the Data Entry Specialist; submit sign-in sheets monthly.
• Add appropriate resources to ACYR curriculum as developed or discovered and share with staff.
• Use calendars, task tools, and accountability systems to create efficiencies, set goals, and track performance.
• Organize schedules and meetings to ensure ample time for projects and collaboration.
• Provide effective instruction based on the Arizona Adult Education ABE Teacher Standards in English Language Arts and/or Mathematics.
• Implement effective classroom management and instruction.
• Create lessons that comply with ADE Standards and drive academic progress.
• Connect students to leadership opportunities (e.g., Ambassador training for AALL).
• Set SMART goals with students and incorporate them as an ongoing part of class.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities and Professional Development as directed.
• Develop community partnerships and retention strategies to meet participant needs.
• Contact students who have stopped attending class and attempt to re-engage them.
• Recruit potential participants and follow up with students who have exited the program; report findings to the ABE Manager and/or Director.
• Ensure participants are connected to appropriate community support services.
• Collaborate with other ACYR program managers to provide ABE participants access to work trainings and job opportunities.
• Support the vision and direction of ACYR’s Administration Team by attending ABE Program meetings and participating in activities and events as directed.
• Engage in professional development training and appropriate ACYR social media for events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Adult Education Teaching Certification and valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Knowledge of adult student characteristics and adult basic education content areas.
• Ability to instruct students in basic technology applications and integrate them into instruction.
• Experience teaching or working with adult learners.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Experience working with opportunity youth at a nonprofit organization, in an educational setting, or classroom preferred.
• Bilingual/Bicultural (preferably Spanish) is a must.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and local community resources is helpful.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to teamwork and establishing effective working relationships.
• Willingness to consistently display a positive attitude and represent the agency professionally.
• Ability to engage in continuous learning and develop new skills and approaches.
• Understanding and utilization of positive participant development practices.
• Flexibility to adapt as program tasks evolve.
• Ability to form strong connections with others and demonstrate compassion for the lives of low-income families.
• Valid Arizona Level II Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License; requires use of an insured personal vehicle for agency business.

Work Environment

ACYR promotes communication, collaboration, and education between team members and students. The environment encourages innovation, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving to deliver the organization’s mission.

Physical Demands

Requires energetic interactions with team members and students. Involves expressing or exchanging ideas through spoken communication to impart information, convey instructions, and interact during activities. Ability to engage with students in a dynamic setting is essential.