Adult Education Instructor/English Language Learners (ELL)

Job Summary

The AEL/ESL Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality instruction to adult learners seeking to improve their academic skills, earn a High School Equivalency (HiSET) credential, and develop English language proficiency.

This position supports student achievement by creating an inclusive and learner-centered classroom environment, delivering effective instruction in reading, mathematics, language arts, and English as a Second Language (ESL), and using assessment data to guide instruction and monitor student progress.

The AEL/ESL Teacher helps adult learners overcome educational barriers, build confidence, develop workforce and life skills, and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals while maintaining compliance with Missouri Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program.

Essential Job Functions, Duties, & Responsibilities:

• The AEL/ESL Teacher is responsible for providing instructional services to adult learners seeking to improve academic skills, achieve a High School Equivalency (HiSET) credential, and develop English language proficiency.
• The position plans, prepares, and delivers effective instruction in reading, mathematics, language arts, and English as a Second Language (ESL) using evidence-based teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learning styles and educational backgrounds.
• The instructor creates and maintains a positive, inclusive, and learner-centered classroom environment that promotes student engagement, persistence, and success.
• Responsibilities include assessing student skill levels, monitoring academic progress, maintaining accurate attendance and performance records, and adapting instructional method.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• In addition to instructional responsibilities, the AEL/ESL Teacher may assist with student recruitment, orientation, intake, and goal-setting activities to support enrollment, retention, and student success.
• The instructor may participate in outreach efforts, special events, and community partnerships that promote Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) services and English language learning opportunities.
• Responsibilities may also include supporting distance education and hybrid learning initiatives, integrating educational technology into instruction, assisting students with career exploration and workforce readiness activities, and making referrals to appropriate support services when needed.
• The AEL/ESL Teacher may collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, instructional material selection, data collection, grant-related activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The successful candidate must possess knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and educational assessment practices.
• The candidate should demonstrate strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively teach and motivate adult learners from diverse educational, cultural, and language backgrounds.
• The position requires the ability to adapt instruction to meet individual student needs, utilize educational technology and digital learning tools, maintain accurate records, and analyze student performance data to support academic achievement.
• The ideal candidate will exhibit professionalism, integrity, patience, empathy, cultural sensitivity, dependability, and a strong commitment to student success.
• Additionally, the candidate must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that encourages lifelong learning and personal growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, HiSET, or equivalent required.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• The successful candidate must possess a valid bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and be eligible to obtain and maintain certification as an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Instructor in accordance with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements.
• Candidates must complete all required Missouri AEL professional development and certification requirements within the timeframe established by DESE and the university, typically within four months of hire.
• Additional certifications related to Adult Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), workforce readiness, instructional technology, or teaching credentials are preferred and may be required as program needs evolve.

Physical Demands:

• This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, communicate effectively, and operate standard office and instructional technology.
• The employee may occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds and must be able to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Lincoln University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at 573-681-5018.