NJ Refugee Youth Summer Academy ESL Lead Teacher

Job Description

Scope of Work:

In August 2022, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three-week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in Hudson and Union County, NJ. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in eight classes, from at least 10 countries who will participate in academic, creative arts, and recreational activities. Field trips will be held once per week. The Lead Teacher will lead the classroom instructional team to reinforce English language learning with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment.

IRC seeks nine Lead Teachers (one per class plus one pull-out/small group Teacher) to supervise a self-contained classroom, teaching English literacy and ESL concepts through various subjects and collaborating with volunteer facilitators on specialized activities such as art or music. Each Lead Teacher is expected to collaborate with a clinical psychology doctoral student who serves as the classroom psychosocial support facilitator, Teacher Assistants, and Peer Mentors as they implement a culturally and age-appropriate curriculum for a class of approximately 15 students. Given the varied English levels and formal education experiences of the student body, the ESL Lead Teacher must be flexible and comfortable with using various methods for teaching English Language Learners. Throughout their classroom activities, assistant teachers will be expected to contribute to the program’s goals of fostering students’ English competence and social-emotional development.

Anticipated Position Term: July 25 – August 19, 2022

Major Responsibilities:

- Implement culturally and age-appropriate curriculum for a class of approximately 15 students - Differentiate instruction to ensure positive learning experiences for students with interrupted formal education and students at various ESL levels - Collaborate with classroom psychosocial support staff to integrate activities and practices that support students’ social-emotional learning and well-being

- Supervise classroom staff - Collaborate with activity facilitators to ensure English language acquisition is promoted throughout all program activities - Ensure classroom environment is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive to refugee students and promotes trust and self-esteem building - Participate in staff and volunteer training the week of, including curriculum development and overview of IRC’s Social and Emotional Asset Development (SEAD) Curriculum - Engage in daily debriefings with psychosocial support staff, youth coordinator and other teachers and assistant teachers - Assist with daily operations including student arrival and dismissal, lunchtime setup/clean up, and Friday field trips - Act as a positive role model for students and staff - Comply with all agency policies and protocols

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Education Specialist Position directly supervises: Teacher Assistant and Peer Mentor

Indirect Reporting: Youth Program Coordinator Other Internal and/or external contacts: Volunteer Activity Facilitators, Psychosocial Support Facilitator

Requirements:

Education:

· Teaching certification in New Jersey or another state

· ESL certification required

Work Experience:

· A minimum of three years teaching required

· Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations desirable

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Proven success planning and delivering creative and engaging curricula for classes of diverse beginner to intermediate ELLs

· Cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience desirable

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Language Skills: Second language proficiency language proficiency in relevant language desirable (including Spanish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Arabic).

Working Environment:

· Monday-Friday, the program will be held on-site at Kean University in Union, NJ

· Necessary travel to field trips on Fridays

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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