ESL Instructor

Schedule:

• • Required: In-person teaching, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Optional: Additional virtual teaching hours based on instructor interest and availability

Compensation: Hourly, based on experience

Time Commitment: Minimum 12 hours per week, with the opportunity to increase to 20 hours per week

Join a Mission That Matters

Are you passionate about people? Do you believe that language is more than a skill? At Burroughs, we believe it is a doorway to confidence, connection, and opportunity.

The Burroughs Community Center is seeking compassionate, committed ESL instructors to help adult learners, many of whom are immigrants and refugees, build the English language skills they need to thrive in Bridgeport. This is more than a teaching position. It is a chance to change lives.

Since 1994, Burroughs has been a hub for equity, opportunity, and inclusion. Our ESL and Citizenship programs welcome learners from over 25 countries with instruction that meets students where they are and helps them move toward their goals.

About the Program

The Burroughs ESL program currently serves over 150 students across nine classroom cohorts. We offer in-person morning, evening classes and optional virtual instruction for learners who need additional flexibility. Instruction is supported by BurlingtonEnglish, an online platform that enhances classroom learning, supports homework, and enables ongoing assessment. Our classes welcome learners of all levels, from true beginners to advanced students preparing for employment or citizenship.

What You’ll Do

As an ESL Instructor at Burroughs, you will:

• • Lead in-person ESL classes in the evening, Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Have the opportunity to teach additional virtual classes based on your availability and interest
  • Instruct students at a range of English proficiency levels using BurlingtonEnglish
  • Create a welcoming, inclusive, and learner-centered environment
  • Design practical, engaging lessons that support real-world communication, job readiness, and civic participation
  • Track student attendance and monitor progress to support persistence and achievement
  • Participate in team meetings and trainings to grow professionally and strengthen the program

If you are someone who cares deeply about equity, learning, and community and you understand that teaching is rooted in connection, patience, and purpose. We would love to hear from you.

Required Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, or a related field
  • Experience teaching or tutoring adult learners or English language learners
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Cultural humility and the ability to work with learners from diverse backgrounds
  • Computer proficiency and willingness to learn online platforms like BurlingtonEnglish
  • Ability to teach multilevel classes and adapt instruction

Preferred Qualifications:

• • ESL, TESOL, or TEFL certification
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed and learner-centered teaching practices
  • Experience with digital tools and virtual teaching platforms

What You’ll Gain

• • The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of adults and families
  • A supportive, mission-driven team focused on collaboration and community
  • Access to high-quality training and digital resources
  • A meaningful teaching experience that goes beyond the classroom

Why This Matters

This role is not just about teaching English. It is about unlocking potential and empowering people to fully participate in the life of their community. As an ESL Instructor, you will play a vital role in one of the most important tools of integration, language. Behind every lesson is the possibility of a job, a conversation, or a new beginning.

Ready to Apply?

If you are interested and would like to learn more about the opportunity:

Please contact Therese LeFever, Program Manager:

Therese@BurroughsCenter.org

203-334-0293 x12