Help Adults Learn to Read

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Job Title: On-Line Foundations Language Arts Instructor

Purpose: In Dallas today, thousands of adults are not able to reach their potential because they need an alternate pathway to a high school credential. Hard-working people across our city need a second chance at success so they can improve their lives and the lives of their families. THEY NEED YOUR HELP!

Join us as we work together to help make a lasting mark in people’s lives. Our curriculum is designed to improve students’ work readiness skills. This can become a springboard to further education, training, and better-paying jobs. Our program aims to provide candidates with:

• An alternative path to a high school credential
• Knowledge and skills necessary for success in today’s workplace
• A safe environment to explore their strengths and weaknesses, academically and professionally.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructors will guide and support students as they build core academic knowledge and essential skills necessary for success in most jobs and post-secondary programs in today’s economy.

• Facilitate Pre-High School Equivalency language arts classes on-line using predefined curriculum and materials to a range of learners.
• Facilitate the development of skills and competencies in students to function with success in society.
• Lead the class through interactive and team assignments, ensuring students have abundant opportunities to apply acquired knowledge and skills.
• Support students’ development of grammar, writing mechanics, reading fluency, and reading comprehension skills.
• Answer questions students may have and help them build confidence by encouraging them regularly.
• Facilitate classes using the Zoom platform. (We will provide training.)
• Work with the class moderator to manage on-line classes. (We will provide training.)
• Communicate with Program Director on student progress.
• Track student attendance and communicate with students using our Work Ready Mobile online platform. (We will provide training.)
• Complete an end-of-semester survey to provide feedback about your experience.
• Attend informal and formal training to assist in the learning process.

Time Commitment: We have two semesters each year - Fall runs 13 weeks and Spring runs 15 weeks. Our online classes are 2 hours each:

• Daytime classes are from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Monday and Wednesday.
• Evening classes are from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Tuesday and Thursday.

In addition to the actual instruction time, instructors typically spend an additional hour each week preparing for each class. If you need more flexibility, we are also looking for moderators, substitutes, and tutors.

Qualifications: To work with our students at varying levels in the program, our volunteers should have at least some experience tutoring, assistant teaching, teaching, or working with an elementary through high school curriculum (in some capacity)...or even social work experience. Six months to a year of the aforementioned experience is preferred. Our staff will provide the lesson plans and materials. Other qualifications are as follows:

• Must have a high school diploma, an Associates or Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Must be fluent in English and easy to understand.
• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Willingness to demonstrate or aspire to a growth mindset.
• Strong desire to relate to students and assist them in developing both autonomy and a growth mindset.
• Should have comfort and some proficiency evaluating/tracking student performance periodically throughout the semester to assess mastery of content.
• Should have some proficiency in using email, the Internet, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, etc.), and Zoom conferencing.
• Must have a quiet space and equipment for leading a class (internet-connected PC with camera and microphone).
• Ability to dedicate a minimum of 3.5 hours each week to teaching, class preparation, office hours for student support, and occasional training or peer support sessions.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Support: Training and resources are provided. The Volunteer Director and Adult Education Director are available for questions and assistance.

Development Opportunities: ASPIRE offers growth opportunities. We provide a range of workshops for instructor training and encourage peer support.

Dress Code: Casual Work Appropriate

FOR MORE INFORMATION email volunteer@aspiretolearn.org or call 214-500-0909