Teacher TESOL/TEFL

Lutheran Services in Iowa; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 2,066,400 - 3,030,720; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness discount on premiums

401k match

Paid time off

Student loan forgiveness programs

Job summary

Lutheran Services in Iowa is seeking compassionate Substitute Teachers to support our Adult English Language Learner (ELL) classes serving immigrant and refugee communities in Des Moines.

As a substitute, you will deliver instruction from prepared lesson plans, adapt materials as needed, and maintain an inclusive, engaging learning environment to help adults gain practical English skills for work, health, and daily life.

Qualifications

• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of immigrant/refugee experiences.
• Strong communication skills and classroom management abilities.
• Ability to adapt instruction for diverse learners with varying English proficiency levels.
• High school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's degree or TESOL certification.

Responsibilities

• Deliver English language instruction to adult learners at varying proficiency levels using provided lesson plans or approved curriculum materials.
• Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive classroom reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Support learners in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English for real-life contexts such as employment, healthcare, transportation, and civic engagement.
• Manage classroom dynamics, ensuring student participation and engagement.
• Communicate with program staff regarding student progress, classroom needs, and concerns.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and follow program procedures.

Skills

Cultural sensitivity

Strong communication

Classroom management

Adapt instruction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree or TESOL certification

Job description

We are seeking compassionate, culturally responsive Substitute Teachers to support our Adult English Language Learner (ELL) classes serving immigrant and refugee communities. As a substitute, you will provide instruction based on prepared lesson plans or adapt materials as needed to maintain a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Your role is essential in helping adult learners develop practical English language skills for everyday life, work, and community integration.

This is an on-call substitute position. Days and times vary based on program needs. Classes may be scheduled in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings, either in-person or virtually (if applicable).

What You'll Do

• Deliver English language instruction to adult learners at varying proficiency levels (Pre-literacy to Advanced), using provided lesson plans or approved curriculum materials.
• Foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment that reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of students.
• Support learners in developing skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English for real-life contexts such as employment, healthcare, transportation, and civic engagement.
• Manage classroom dynamics effectively, ensuring student participation and engagement.
• Communicate with program staff regarding student progress, classroom needs, and any concerns that arise during your teaching assignment.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and follow program procedures.

What You'll Need

• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the immigrant and refugee experience.
• Strong communication skills and classroom management abilities.
• Ability to adapt instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners with varying English proficiency levels.
• High school diploma or equivalent (some positions may require a bachelor's degree or TESOL certification).

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Education, TESOL, Linguistics, or related field.
• Experience teaching or tutoring ELL/ESL students, preferably in adult education settings.
• TESOL/TEFL certification or adult education credential.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Prior experience working with refugee or immigrant populations.

At LSI, competitive compensation goes far beyond an hourly rate. For eligible employees, LSI pays for a portion of employee health premiums, offers a monthly wellness discount on health insurance premiums, and contributes to your health savings account each pay check. LSI will reimburse you for mileage, offer a 401k match contribution, and provide ongoing professional development training. In addition LSI offers a generous paid time off package. As a non-profit employer many employees also can qualify for student loan forgiveness programs.

It's their life. It's your career.

Make a difference in both at LSI!

This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.