Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Instructor

The Ywca St. Thomas-elgin; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is seeking a part-time LINC Instructor to plan and deliver English language instruction to eligible newcomers in St. Thomas‑Elgin.

You will use a learner‑centered approach and develop lessons aligned with CLB benchmarks and PBLA guidelines to support adults in daily life, study and work in Canada. Responsibilities include needs assessments, lesson planning, delivering task-based ESL lessons, maintaining PBLA records, and supporting volunteers.

Qualifications

• Understanding and application of CLB in planning, teaching and assessment
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Internet

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and deliver learner-centered ESL lessons to newcomers in accordance with funder requirements
• Provide real-world, task-based instruction based on CLB PBLA guidelines
• Conduct needs assessments and set goals with learners and develop lesson plans across four skills
• Deliver assessment tasks to evaluate learners' progress
• Support PBLA process with reflections, self-assessments and tasks
• Incorporate technology and online resources into language instruction
• Create welcoming, inclusive classroom environment and support volunteers

Job description

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Instructor

Location: YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin,16 Mary Street West, St. Thomas
Job Type: Part-time, contract
Salary: $30.49 per hour
Reports to: Manager of Settlement Services

POSITION SUMMARY:
The LINC Instructor is responsible for the planning and provision of English language training to eligible newcomers in St. Thomas-Elgin. Using a student-centered approach, the instructor delivers lessons that focus on real-world tasks and prepare adult learners to successfully live, study and work in Canada and move forward on their citizenship journey. Learning activities cover the four competency areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) across a range of language abilities (pre-CLB to CLB 6). Instruction adheres to national standards and best practices for teaching and assessing adult English language learners including the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) and Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA).

JOB DUTIES:

• Plan, organize and deliver learner-centered English as a Second Language lessons to newcomers in accordance with funder requirements and guidelines.
• Provide real world, task-based instruction based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks and Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) Practice Guidelines.
• Carry out needs assessment and goal setting activities with learners and develop appropriate lesson plans across the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
• Deliver assessment tasks for evaluation of learners’ progress.
• Regularly provide opportunities for learners to review and organize their language companions and provide support with inventories, as needed.
• Implement all other aspects of PBLA into the teaching/learning cycle including learning reflections, self-assessments, and skill-using tasks.
• Incorporate technology and online resources into the delivery of language instruction.
• Develop and maintain a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment that actively engages learners.
• Based on needs, provide guidance, lesson materials and support to classroom volunteers.

Case Management Support

• In support of learners’ settlement, maintain close communication with program staff about clients’ needs and goals and additional supports that may be required (i.e., access to community or government services).
• Provide input and feedback for the planning of field trips and guest speakers.

Perform administrative, recordkeeping and reporting duties.

• Maintain records of student attendance and language companions.
• Monitor and review learner portfolios and assign benchmarks based on evidence in accordance with class schedule.
• Prepare and issue conference summaries and progress reports as needed.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of documentation.
• Complete their annual self-assessment using the PBLA Practice Review Framework and develop an action plan.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development sessions as required.
• Promote health and safety awareness with learners and ensure students follow emergency procedures for building alarms and emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Understanding and application of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) in planning, teaching and assessment
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Able to work in a team environment as well as a capacity to self-motivate and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Able to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Power Point, Teams) and using the Internet.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• Valid TESL Ontario Certification (OCELT) (in good standing)
• Completion of CLB Bootcamp and Introduction to PBLA for New Classroom Instructors
• Completion of Avenue learning management system training

Experience

• 2+ years of experience teaching adult learners in a multi-level environment in the LINC/ESL field (pre-CLB to CLB 6).

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Knowledge of settlement issues and trends in St. Thomas-Elgin and local resources
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Strong administrative skills including recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of and experience with classroom management.
• Previous experience with e-learning in the LINC/ESL field and learning management systems such as Avenue.
• Ability to communicate in language(s) other than English is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• St. Thomas daytime class runs Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30am-2:30pm (22 hours per week)
• St. Thomas evening class runs Mondays and Wednesdays 6pm-9pm (6.5 hours per week)
• Potential for the same candidate to be considered for daytime and/or evening Instructor positions. Please confirm position(s) of interest in application.
• Classroom environment (in-person)
• Routinely use office equipment including laptop, telephone, photocopier and interactive panel.
• Physical requirements such as walking, sitting, standing; lifting or moving up to 50lbs may be required.

This position is for an existing vacancy.

We are grateful to all candidates for their interest in this position; however, only those selected to move into the interview process will be contacted.

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.