Spring 2023 English as a Second Language (ESL) Adult Education Intern

Teaching & Training

Overview

Assist refugee and immigrant adults in ESL classes to develop critical language skills.

You have:

• Strong communication skills: communication between instructors and fellow class assistants before, during, and after classes, and communication with adult Education language learners during classes.
• Availability for at least 9 hours of class time per week.
• An interest in or experience with teaching in generally and teaching ESL specifically.
• An interest in working closely with a diverse population of adults.
• Comfortability in working with a variable number of students (individually and in groups) and in working with students at variable levels of English proficiency.
• Comfortability in adapting learning activities with limited notice.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Job Description

The IRC’s ESL Adult Education Intern assists refugee and immigrant adults in ESL classes to develop the language skills critical for success. The classes aim to build vocabulary and communication skills, convey skills necessary for the American workforce, and impart information about integral life skills and systems so that clients can be successful and productive members of their communities, that they can be civically engaged, and so that they can pursue career pathways of their choice. These classes meet regularly throughout the week, Mondays through Fridays, and offer instruction to adult students at varying levels of English proficiencies, from Basic and Beginning ESL to Advanced. Often multiple levels will be represented within a single class and interns and other class assistants permit the utilization of multiple breakout groups to separate students by their proficiency level. Instruction is focused on developing literacy, comprehension, and confidence to apply towards real world situations including dealing with housing issues, shopping, the K-12 public school system, public transportation, employment, healthcare, and other daily life skills.

Adult Education interns work under class lead instructors and other IRC Adult Education staff to effectively engage with prospective and current immigrant and refugee clients. This can include a variety of ongoing activities such as: Recruitment and Outreach: providing information about programming, schedule, and expectations around education services. Intake and Orientation: working with clients individually to complete enrollment documents, to discuss goals, and schedule a formal proficiency level assessment Classroom Support: assisting lead instructors with logistics and leading instruction. Retention and Follow-up: conferencing with, surveying, and reconnecting with past participants, assessing goals and identifying appropriate referrals

Adult Education interns in Spring 2023 will work with both virtual classes and with in-person hybrid classes, working with students joining classes through technology and with students attending at the IRC in Atlanta’s main office.

SPECIAL PROJECT: A limited number of qualified interns can assist with an accelerated training program for students seeking career development opportunities with a Microsoft Excel credential. Interns for this project must be able to participate in this in-person class at the IRC in Atlanta’s main office.

Qualifications

RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist instructor in developing and implementing multi-level comprehension and literacy activities. Assist instructor in classroom activities including leading small groups and teaching specific components of the curriculum. Supporting the Adult Education program in recruitment and outreach, intake and orientation, classroom support, and retention and follow-up activities. Support program activities by researching new curriculum content and preparing educational materials as requested by instructor.

REQUIREMENTS: Interns must have Strong communication skills: communication between instructors and fellow class assistants before, during, and after classes, and communication with adult Education language learners during classes. Availability for at least 9 hours of class time per week. An interest in or experience with teaching in generally and teaching ESL specifically. An interest in working closely with a diverse population of adults. Comfortability in working with a variable number of students (individually and in groups) and in working with students at variable levels of English proficiency. Comfortability in adapting learning activities with limited notice.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: rescue.org