WHO WE ARE

Literacy Minnesota connects people to transformative learning, sparks innovation in literacy, and mobilizes change. We envision a future where literacy eliminates injustice and strengthens communities. For more than 50 years, we have trained volunteer tutors and helped adults build reading, writing, math, English-language, and digital skills, and our Northstar Digital Literacy platform is now used by programs in all 50 states and beyond.

Our Open Door Learning Centers bring this work into Twin Cities communities through free classes for adults in ESL, GED preparation, digital skills, college and career readiness, and citizenship, offered in person in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and online. We are committed to learning environments that are welcoming, accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in equity.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Workforce ESL Teacher teaches adult English language learners in classes that lead to work, delivered with workforce and community partners: digital literacy labs, CNA knowledge test preparation, PCA/CFSS certificate classes, and different levels of English, along with other workforce readiness topics. This role often teaches at a different site each day, sometimes more than one in a day. They work from established curricula, design new curriculum for worksite-specific training, administer CASAS assessments, and track learner progress against state ABE requirements. This role reports to the Site Lead and will also perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Instruction

• Plan and teach ESL classes contextualized for workforce goals, including drop-in digital literacy labs, CNA knowledge test preparation, PCA/CFSS certificate classes, job readiness, and more. 
• Teach multi-level groups with variable attendance, adjusting pacing and materials to learners’ levels and goals.
• Build the vocabulary, reading, listening, and test-taking skills learners need to pass certification exams and succeed in training and on the job.
• Weave digital skills into every class, using Northstar Digital Literacy and distance learning platforms so learners keep practicing between sessions.
• Teach occasional general ESL classes and substitute at Open Door locations or online as needed.

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

• Teach from established PCA, CNA test prep, and contextualized ESL curricula, adapting to each group.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and internal staff on creating new curriculum for worksite-specific training as needed, based on employer needs and aligned to ABE content standards and CASAS level descriptors.
• Co-teach PCA and CNA classes alongside partner instructors who deliver clinical content, or teach independently, so instruction supports course and exam requirements.
• Keep curriculum organized and portable so any site or teacher can use it.
• Help launch new classes, in person at Open Door locations or online, as programming grows.

Multi-Site Delivery and Partner Relationships

• Teach at different sites on different days, traveling between Open Door Learning Centers, employer and workforce partner sites, and community partner sites with materials and equipment; mileage is reimbursed, and the schedule is communicated as far in advance as possible. 
• Serve as Literacy Minnesota’s on-site presence at partner locations, working with partner staff on space, schedules, and learner recruitment.
• Set up and troubleshoot classroom technology, such as laptops and hotspots, at each site.

Student Progress and Assessment

• Administer CASAS pre- and post-tests and math and reading assessments at partner sites following state testing policy, and use results to place learners and inform instruction.
• Coordinate with the Intake & Distance Learning Coordinator on intake, testing schedules, and distance learning accounts.
• Track attendance, contact hours, and progress toward credentials and employment goals, keeping records accurate and timely for ABE accountability reporting.
• Back up the Intake & Distance Learning Coordinator at both Open Door locations as needed, covering intake, registration, and CASAS testing.
• Follow up with learners who stop attending and refer students to resources as needed.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with the Site Lead and teaching staff to align instruction across sites, and share partner feedback and outcomes for program growth and funder reporting.
• When class size calls for it, work with volunteer classroom assistants, giving them day-to-day direction during class.
• Attend required site meetings, monthly staff meetings, and any additional literacy services meetings, and support an inclusive, welcoming environment through organizational and personal equity goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Experience teaching adults, ideally English learners, in a classroom, training, or community setting.
• Ability to plan and lead instruction for multi-level groups, adapting when attendance or ability varies.
• Comfort teaching basic digital skills and using online learning platforms and student data systems.
• Warm, clear, respectful communication with adult learners from diverse cultural, educational, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently across sites on a schedule that shifts with partner needs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel across the metro; mileage reimbursed.

Preferred

• Minnesota ABE or K-12 license, TESOL certificate, or a degree in education, TESOL, or a related field.
• Bilingual skills in Somali or Spanish highly preferred.
• Health care, caregiving, or workforce development experience, or familiarity with CNA or PCA training.
• Experience designing curriculum or training for adults, especially workplace training.
• Familiarity with CASAS, Northstar Digital Literacy, or SID.

Onboarding, Work Environment, and Physical Requirements

• ABE accountability, CASAS proctor, and curriculum training are provided and completed within 60 days; workforce classes phase in over the first three months as partner schedules are set. 
• Mostly daytime work at multiple metro sites, with location varying by day, occasional evening classes, and regular local travel. Mileage between sites is reimbursed, and travel time between sites is paid work time. Requires the ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday and to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

JOB CODE: 1000055