Refugee Youth Summer Academy Lead Teacher

Background:

The International Rescue Committee is New Jersey’s largest refugee resettlement organization, serving over 800 refugees and immigrants each year with resettlement, economic empowerment, education and learning and immigration legal services. The IRC in NJ’s youth program started in 2012 and works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 170 refugee students enrolled in nearly 20 schools within the Elizabeth and Roselle Public Schools, with new students arriving each month.

Scope of Work:

In August 2023, 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 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 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 24 – August 18, 2023

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 Coordinator
Position directly supervises: Teacher Assistant and Peer Mentor

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

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

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirement.

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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.