Part-Time ESL Instructor

City and County of Denver; United States; On-site; USD 36,749,000 - 46,276,000; Part time

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver invites applications for a part-time Lead ESL instructor in the Family Literacy Program. The role delivers adult ESL lessons (up to 19 hours per week), includes planning and professional development, and is semester-based with instruction at diverse locations.

The position requires a Bachelor’s in education or related field, a TESOL certificate if needed, ABEA certification or within two years, and 2–3 years of adult education experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• TESOL certificate if the degree is not in education (e.g., CELTA).
• Current CDE AB Education Authorization (ABEA) or certification within two years.
• Two to three years’ experience with adult learners.
• Knowledge of ESL and adult education theory.
• Ability to create presentations.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain quality service.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct classroom instruction for adults using ESL curriculum and materials.
• Teach classes at off-site locations in the greater metro area.
• Foster encouraging and supportive learning environment for students.
• Employ student-centric methodologies and multiple teaching styles.
• Demonstrate curriculum methods to tutors or teaching aides as needed.
• Plan parent enrichment and intergenerational activities with families.
• Represent the University to community partners at teaching sites.
• Pack up and move classroom space as part of responsibilities.
• Facilitate registration, orientation, and technology sessions.
• Attend workshops and in-services as requested by leadership.
• Perform record keeping and reporting (data input).
• Collaborate with staff on curriculum and student goals.
• Engage in outreach to students for retention.
• Inform students of school policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Presentation skills

Work under pressure

Adult ESL instruction

Learner-centered teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

TESOL certificate (e.g. CELTA or equivalent)

Current CDE AB Education Authorization (ABEA) or certification within two years

Two to three years’ experience with adult learners

Master’s degree in ESL or related field

Fluency in a language other than English (Spanish preferred)

Job description

Department Family Literacy Program

This position is a Temporary position and is not benefits-eligible. This position does require enrollment in a PERA retirement account.

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first‑generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary

The Family Literacy Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time instructor teaching positions. The Family Literacy Program has an opening for a part‑time Lead ESL instructor to prepare and deliver lessons to adults (up to 19 hours per week). Lead instructors are enthusiastic and flexible and attend professional development workshops and departmental meetings. The position is semester-based and includes classroom instruction and planning time. For more information about the Family Literacy Program in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/family-literacy-program.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct classroom instruction for adults using appropriate ESL curriculum, teaching methods and materials
• Teach classes at off‑site locations in the greater metro area
• Foster encouraging and supportive learning environment for students by responding to instructional needs and concerns
• Employ student‑centric methodologies and approaches and multiple teaching styles
• Demonstrate curriculum methods and materials to volunteer tutors or teaching aides as needed
• Work with Family Literacy staff in planning parent enrichment and intergenerational learning activities with families
• Positively represent the University to community partners and while onsite partner‑owned teaching locations
• Instructors will be expected to pack up and move classroom space as part of their responsibilities
• Facilitate registration, orientation, and technology sessions and help administer standardized assessments
• Attend workshops, trainings and in‑services as requested by leadership team
• Perform record keeping and reporting (data input) responsibilities
• Work closely with other lead teaching staff regarding curriculum, materials, student goals, testing, and evaluation to ensure program goals are being met
• Outreach to students as part of the program’s retention strategy
• Inform students of and uphold school policies
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• If the degree is not in a related field, then a certificate in TESOL (e.g. CELTA or equivalent) is required
• Current CDE Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABEA) or receipt of certification within two years (Current ABEA Certification preferred)
• Two to three years’ minimum experience with adult learners
• Knowledge and practice of current ESL and adult education theory
• Ability to create presentations
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain standards of quality service

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in ESL or related field
• Fluency in a language other than English (Spanish preferred) or intermediate skills with experience of long‑term language study
• Experience with standard educational assessment tools (CASAS & Best Plus)
• Proven ability to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of immigrant, low income, marginalized, and diverse urban populations

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to pass a background check
• Ability to lift/carry 20 lbs

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this position is $27 - $34 an hour.

Closing Date

12/15/2026

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long‑term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more. For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success. Thank you for considering Metropolitan State University of Denver as an employer of choice. MSU Denver has transformed the lives of more than 90,000 people in Denver and Colorado through affordable degree programs, innovative public‑private partnerships and a commitment to diversity. Learn about MSU Denver's facts, statistics, and C.A.D.R.E values. If you need another reason to choose MSU Denver, get to know our unbeatable benefits packet.