What are the responsibilities and job description for the Literacy Specialist (ESOL for Employment, Career and College Pathways) position at Holyoke Community College?
Provides student-centered ESOL instruction in career and college-focused programs for adult English learners with employment goals. Incorporates digital literacy and students’ goals and individual career paths into instruction.
We are hiring for two programs:
- ESOL Pathways serves high intermediate/advanced-level students in an intensive career pathways program, designed to accelerate adult language learner’s progress towards their next step in college, training or employment. Depending on the track, classes are offered in person in Holyoke or online using Zoom. Students are assigned asynchronous work using Cavnas. Day (9:30am-12pm) and evening (6-8:30pm) positions available.
- RISE ESOL for Employment serves beginner-level English learners who are caregivers or accessed the emergency shelter system. In partnership with other organizations, this program builds students’ basic English, digital literacy, and career readiness skills leading to employment. Instruction is in person in Springfield, MA. Daytime position available.
In your cover letter, please indicate if you would like to be considered for ESOL Pathways, RISE ESOL for Employment, or both. Please also include information about your availability.
- Provides high quality ESOL instruction related to skill development and college/career readiness. The program seeks to guide learners in identifying career goals and developing ESOL and work readiness skills in relation to that goal, leading to employment, placement in a job training or educational program leading to employment, or transition to community college by the end of the program.
- Collaboratively develops contextualized ESOL curriculum focused on essential career readiness skills and locally-relevant career opportunities and sectors. Courses run on 10-12 week cycles.
- Designs a digital learning space and mechanisms that support the development of students’ independent learning skills.
- Provides language support and tutoring to students who transition into workforce training, college, or job search at the conclusion of the program, as needed.
- Works closely with Director, Career & Education Advisor, and other colleagues to provide comprehensive instruction and support.
- Participates in program planning, curriculum development, and professional development.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelors degree and at least two years experience in ESOL, Adult Basic Education, and/or Workforce Development;
- Strong written and interpersonal communication and technology skills;
- Commitment to professional and program development;
- Commitment to learner-centered teaching;
- Ability to work effectively and flexibly with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body;
- Evidence of effective, outcomes-based and/or contextualized instruction.
Equivalency Statement:
We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.
Preferred Qualifications:
- TESOL Certification or Masters in Applied Linguistics/ESL;
- Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Haitian Creole, Ukrainian, or another language spoken by our student population;
- Prior experience teaching internationally-trained professionals;
- Familiarity with DESE-funded Adult Education system (including MA ELPS or CCRSAE);
- Prior experience with career-focused ESOL instruction.
Hourly Rate: $35.31/hour.
Hours: 14-18.5 hours/week. Includes paid time for prep and collaboration with colleagues. Contract through June, 2026 with possibilities to extend.
Funding: Grant.
Anticipated Start Date: December, 2025.
Salary : $35