About Accola:
Accola is a nonprofit organization that welcomes neighbors, cultivates community, and fosters justice by responding to the needs of the time. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. We strive to create places of hope and belonging where all people can flourish. Accola operates three programs: Sarah's... an Oasis for Women, Learning in Style School, and Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality. Accola currently has an opening in their Learning in Style School.
ESL Instructor
Learning In Style School, a school for adult English language learners in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, is looking for an experienced English instructor to join our growing school. This position is part-time (23 hours per week, including meetings and prep time) and on-site. The instructor will teach an intermediate level class (ELP level 4); 9:00 and 11:15 classes, Mondays – Thursdays. This position is scheduled from September 8, 2026, to June 11, 2027. ($26 - $28/hour).
Responsibilities and Expectations:
Effective and Informed Lesson Planning and Instruction
· Develop daily lesson plans and provide high-quality ESL instruction for adult learners. Use a variety of instructional techniques to address the diverse needs and goals of learners. Use best practices in instruction for adult learners and align lessons with state and federal curriculum standards. Utilize existing school-wide curriculum (Cambridge Ventures series) while identifying and developing materials and lessons to supplement as needed. Collaborate with Lead teacher to ensure alignment of classroom efforts with school-wide objectives.
· Deliberately integrate strategies to develop students’ language acquisition skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking in English – making instructional or programmatic choices to address all four skills.
· Independently and/or in collaboration with LIS digital literacy coordinator, plan to include effective digital literacy instruction for adult students.
· Foster school and classroom environments of inclusivity and dignity, actively participating in organizational and personal inclusivity goals.
· Remain up to date on pedological research within the Adult Basic Education field – particularly in ELL - though professional development; participate in regular peer reviews.
Assessment and Reporting
· Regularly assess student learning through a variety of methods, including but not limited to, mandated standardized assessments (CASAS, TABE, etc.), teacher-created informal assessments, observations, assignments, etc.
· Monitor student progress, enter student case notes as needed, and track student attendance and demographics using Minnesota’s Adult Education data system (SiD).
Collaboration and Communication
· Collaborate with colleagues to provide a consistent, strong, and effective learning experience for students across abilities. Make recommendations about student placement and advancement.
· Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and other professional development opportunities. Respond in a timely fashion to communications from both staff and students.
Other
· Assist with special projects and events as needed and as time allows.
· Provide welcoming access to class and classroom for staff and community visitors.
· Communicate volunteer needs and coordinate scheduling with LIS volunteer coordinator.
· Prepare lesson plans for substitutes.
· Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in ESL, Adult Basic Education, Education or related field, or equivalent experience in working with adult English language learners.
· ESL certification (including TEFL) or ABE licensure; experience and training in Adult Basic Education.
· Comprehensive understanding of ESL and adult learning; thorough knowledge of effective teaching methods for adult learners.
· Genuine enthusiasm for this work and for this population of learners.
· Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a contributing team member.
· Ability to adapt to changing classroom circumstances as students and classroom populations evolve and transition.
· Ability to relate effectively with people of other cultures and varying educational backgrounds; ability to respond effectively to individual and cultural needs, as well as learning styles.
· Able to effectively use computers and related technology, or ability to learn. Willingness to use technology as part of curriculum. Skilled and comfortable using Microsoft Office products.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated experience communicating well with a variety of populations, including individuals and groups.
· Openness and ability to modify instruction based on coaching and feedback from peers and supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Master’s degree in ESL, TESOL, Adult Basic Education, Education or related field with a minimum of 1 year experience teaching.
· Previous experience in a non-profit or educational institution focused on Adult Education, refugee services, or immigrant needs.
· Experience with volunteer mentoring and supervision.
· Multilingual, or experience learning English as a second language.
· Knowledge of ABE testing and reporting, especially CASAS and TABE testing procedures and SiD database.
· Experience working with immigrant populations.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
