ESL Instructor

Head start program

Empower families. Inspire success.

Are you a passionate educator who believes that supporting a child's education starts with empowering their family?

Our Head Start program is seeking a dedicated, community-minded ESL Instructor to lead our adult education initiatives. In this role, you won't just teach English—you will build bridges. Your primary focus will be to work directly with the parents and guardians of the children in our Head Start programs, equipping them with the language skills, confidence, and resources they need to actively participate in their children's education and to thrive in their communities.

If you are ready to make a multi-generational impact, we want to hear from you!

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Key responsibilities

• In this role, you will oversee the coordination, curriculum, and delivery of our adult ESL program, with a heavy emphasis on family engagement.
• Parent & Staff Outreach: Actively recruit adult students, focusing heavily on building trusting relationships with Head Start parents to encourage enrollment and retention.
• Targeted ESL Instruction: Teach dynamic, practical ESL classes designed to help parents navigate daily life, advocate for their children, and achieve their personal and career goals.
• Assessment & Placement: Test incoming adult students to evaluate their educational levels and place them in appropriate class tiers.
• Custom Curriculum Development: Design and adapt lesson plans and curriculum tailored specifically to the unique goals, backgrounds, and educational needs of our families.
• Program Coordination: Collaborate with the ETC Program Coordinator, Records department, and site staff to organize class schedules, arrange logistics, and secure necessary classroom supplies.
• Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate enrollment, attendance, and progress statistics. Compile quarterly reports and complete necessary data entry to ensure program compliance.

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WHAT WE LOOK FOR (QUALIFICATIONS) • Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably with a focus on Education, Linguistics, or ESL.
• Experience: Proven experience teaching ESL to adult learners. Experience working in family literacy, Head Start, or community outreach is highly valued.
• Certification: Teacher Certification is preferred.
• Cultural
• Competence: A deep appreciation for diversity and the ability to work effectively with multi-cultural, multi-lingual populations.
• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills to build strong partnerships with parents and staff alike.
• Mobility: A valid NJ Driver’s License and reliable self-transportation, as you will be traveling between different Head Start sites to meet our families where they are.

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Why join us?

By teaching the parent, you uplift the child. This is a unique opportunity to provide holistic, life-changing education to families in your community. We offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to see the direct, daily impact of your work.

Schedule

Monday - Friday with flexibility to meet with parents - 43/49 week position.

Benefits

• include:
• Healthcare: Medical via an ICHRA model, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance: Term policy paid for by the organization equal to your base compensation
• Retirement Accounts: 403(b) and 403(b) Roth with an employer match after one year
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical, dependent care, and commuter/transit account.

Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer