ESL Teacher - Beginner level class

About the role

We are a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization that sponsors free education and community services, including computer literacy, English and career training, and advocacy for individual rights. Located in Plainfield, we urgently need a replacement teacher for our Saturday beginner English class this Fall (September–December). The class meets in a conference room that can accommodate up to 10 students (up to 16 if needed). Parking is limited on‑site; street parking or a free train‑station lot a block away are available.

Responsibilities

• Teach a beginner English class on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (minimum 1.5 hours) once per week.
• Manage classroom dynamics for a mixed‑level group of mostly Hispanic working‑adult learners, many with limited or no prior schooling.
• Take attendance and maintain clear records.
• Prepare lessons using existing worksheets and books, supplementing with additional material as needed.
• Coordinate with a volunteer helper (who may be bilingual) to assist in the classroom.
• Provide a written lesson plan for any anticipated absence so a substitute volunteer can cover the class.
• Adapt instruction to learners who may speak but need help with writing, and use judgment when assigning homework.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an English teacher, preferably with adult or beginner learners.
• Familiarity with working with vulnerable populations and managing diverse classroom needs.
• Ability to keep accurate attendance records.
• Resourcefulness in adapting or creating instructional materials.
• Willingness to collaborate with a volunteer helper; Spanish language ability is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching English to beginners or low‑literacy adults.
• Comfortable teaching in a conference‑room setting for up to 16 students.
• Ability to develop clear written plans for substitute coverage.

Skills

• Classroom management and lesson planning.
• Communication and interpersonal skills with adult learners.
• Organizational skills for attendance and record‑keeping.
• Flexibility to adjust pacing based on student progress.

Schedule

• Saturdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (minimum 1.5 hours) from September through December.
• One session per week; the Fall semester runs approximately September–December.