ESOL and Digital Literacy Instructor

Job Description

Join Refugee Artisan Initiative’s dynamic team and help champion equity and sustainability! We're seeking an ESOL and Digital Literacy Instructor who is organized, dependable, and an excellent communicator. If you're passionate about creating a welcoming community, enjoy working with people, and are eager to contribute to positive change, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and brief cover letter describing your interest in the ESOL & Digital Literacy Instructor Contractor position and how your experience aligns with RAI’s mission to jobs@refugeesarts.org.

BACKGROUND

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) partners with refugee and immigrant women as they work to achieve economic stability. At RAI, artisans overcome barriers to employment through skills and microbusiness training while handcrafting goods from recycled materials. English language skills and digital literacy are foundational to our participants' success, and we are seeking an ESOL & Digital Literacy Instructor to design and deliver integrated English language and digital skills instruction that supports their employment and integration goals.

RAI values diverse perspectives, life experiences, and differences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people of all ages, and veterans.

POSITION SUMMARY

RAI is seeking an ESOL & Digital Literacy Instructor to plan and deliver English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction alongside foundational digital literacy skills to refugee and immigrant adult learners, with an emphasis on workplace and vocational readiness. This role designs integrated curriculum, assesses learner progress in both language and technology skills, and creates a welcoming, culturally responsive classroom environment that supports participants as they build language and digital competencies alongside job readiness and artisan training. The ideal candidate combines strong ESOL instructional expertise with the ability to teach basic computer, internet, and workplace technology skills to adult learners with varying levels of prior exposure to technology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and deliver integrated ESOL and digital literacy classes for adult learners at varying proficiency levels, using learner-centered and competency-based approaches.
• Develop and adapt curriculum that combines English language instruction with foundational digital skills (e.g., using a computer/tablet, mouse and keyboard basics, internet navigation, email, online forms) alongside vocational and workplace English and life skills relevant to participants' goals.
• Teach practical, job-relevant technology skills, such as completing online job applications, using workplace software, video conferencing, and basic troubleshooting.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate mixed-level classrooms, varying literacy and technology backgrounds, and diverse learning needs.
• Incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices that honor participants' backgrounds, languages, and lived experience.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Administer intake, placement, and progress assessments for both English language (e.g., CASAS, BEST Plus, or comparable standardized tools) and digital literacy skills (e.g., Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment or comparable tools).
• Track and document learner attendance, progress, and outcomes in program databases; prepare reports for funders as needed.
• Set individual learning goals with participants for both language and digital skill development, adjusting instruction based on ongoing formative assessment.

Participant Support & Classroom Environment

• Create a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom culture that encourages participation and confidence-building, including for learners who are new to using technology.
• Coordinate with case managers and program staff to address barriers to attendance or learning (e.g., childcare, transportation, device or internet access, trauma-informed needs).
• Connect participants to additional RAI programming and community resources as appropriate, including device-lending or low-cost internet programs where available.

Program & Team Coordination

• Collaborate with workforce development and artisan program staff to align English and digital literacy instruction with participants' training and employment pathways.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and program planning.
• Maintain classroom materials, technology equipment, supplies, and a well-organized learning environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in TESOL, Education, Linguistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience teaching adult ESOL learners.
• 2+ years of experience teaching English to adult learners, ideally in a community-based or adult education setting.
• Experience teaching or supporting basic digital literacy / computer skills to adult learners.
• Familiarity with adult ESOL standards, frameworks, and assessment tools (e.g., CASAS, BEST Plus, WIOA/NRS levels).
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to teach mixed-level, multilingual groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to simplify complex information, including technology concepts, for varying English proficiency levels.

Preferred

• TESOL/TEFL certification or state teaching credential.
• Experience integrating vocational, workplace English, or workforce technology skills into ESOL curriculum.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.