Adult English Language; EL Instructor

Overview

Join CASL as an Adult English Language (EL) Instructor. You will support adult learners by strengthening English proficiency and preparing students for U.S. citizenship. Through culturally responsive instruction and individualized support, you’ll help learners gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive and engage in their communities.

Your Mission: At CASL, language access is foundational to equity, opportunity, and belonging. The Adult English Language (EL) Instructor empowers adult learners by strengthening English proficiency, supporting citizenship readiness, and fostering confidence to participate in civic and community life. This role advances CASL’s mission to build stronger families and a more inclusive society.

Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives.

As an Adult EL Instructor, your work supports immigrants and permanent residents on their path to citizenship, employment stability, and community integration. Each lesson taught, assessment administered, and student coached contributes to measurable outcomes including increased English proficiency, successful naturalization interviews, and long-term self-sufficiency. Your role strengthens individual lives and the civic participation of the communities CASL serves.

• Instruction and Curriculum Delivery: Provide direct instruction to Adult EL students in a classroom setting, focusing on improving English listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. Teach the naturalization process, including interview components and knowledge of American history, government, civics. Integrate American culture into lessons and educate students on rights and responsibilities as LPRs and citizens.
• Lesson Planning and Assessment: Develop weekly lesson plans and teaching materials tailored to EL and citizenship levels, align with program goals and objectives. Administer standardized tests and create formal and informal assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction. Utilize technology to enhance learning.
• Student Support and Record Keeping: Provide individual sessions to support students approaching naturalization interviews. Maintain detailed student records, track progress, and prepare weekly attendance and end-of-term progress reports. Enter student data into CASL’s Salesforce database for accurate data management.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Collaborate with the Adult Education Coordinator to support agency reports and program evaluation. Enter client and program information into Salesforce in a timely, accurate manner. Share best practices with team members.
• Professional Development: Complete at least 12 hours of job-related training annually, including improving teaching skills and staying current on immigration laws and naturalization processes. Seek opportunities for ongoing learning within the program’s budget.
• Additional Responsibilities: Contribute to additional responsibilities as needed to support the Adult Service department and organizational goals.

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or a related field is required. TEFL certification or equivalent. At least one year of experience teaching EL or citizenship to adults. Completion of specified trainings within 6 months of employment.
• Skills and Knowledge: Strong empathy, cultural sensitivity, and interest in working with clients of all ages. Bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred; Mandarin and/or Taishanese a plus). Strong speaking, reading, and writing in both English and Chinese.

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods; may move objects up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional outreach activities using public transportation,…