American Language Institute ESL Instructor

Overview

This position is open until filled with an application review to take place after March 10, 2025. 

The salary for this position is $6,231.66 - $6,416.66 per month. 

This position works on-site. 

Founded in 1974, the ALI (American Language Institute) is the oldest university-based IEP in San Diego County. The ALI, a unit within SDSU Global Campus International Programs, provides English language training and university preparation to international students and other non-native English speakers.  Some of these students are preparing to matriculate to American universities, including SDSU. 

Reporting to the IEP Director, the American Language Institute ESL Instructor is responsible for providing college-level classroom instruction and the delivery of various academic program components. This includes the ability to teach a variety of skills and subjects (academic English, general English, English for specific purposes, test and university preparation) to students with English proficiency levels ranging from A1 to C2, demonstrating teaching excellence and knowledge of subject matter. Full-time instructors are expected to participate in curriculum development, student orientations, placement testing and assessment, student activities, academic advising, and other relevant program administration.

This is a full-time position with an excellent and comprehensive benefits package. Teaching hours vary, but classes are typically offered Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 3:45 pm and Friday from 9:30 am - 11:45 am. Classes are taught 100% in person through SDSU Global Campus. Full-time instructors are expected to work on site Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm or similar hours as assigned, except when using accrued vacation days or on days of campus closures.

Responsibilities

The American Language Institute ESL Instructor’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Instructional 95%

• Teach up to 20 hours per week
• Prepare and execute lesson plans in keeping with the course title and description, course objective, and student learning outcomes of assigned courses.
• Assess student characteristics, needs, interests, and learning styles, and develop new course materials and activities to maximize the effectiveness of instruction.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Revise lessons to include information and topics which are current and relevant for ALI students.
• Update teaching methodology to reflect current technology and developments in second language teaching.
• Evaluate all new students assigned in the first few days to determine that students are appropriately placed. Initiate class changes if students are not appropriately placed.
• Provide a syllabus, calendar, and attendance policy for each class taught.
• Assign homework regularly; correct and return it promptly.
• Maintain academic performance and attendance records.
• Hold conferences with students as needed to address individual needs.
• Mentor new instructors.
• Participate in instructor meetings and committees such as curriculum, assessment, student events, EWS, orientation, etc.
• Assist with placement testing, orientations, and other relevant academic administrative tasks.
• Maintain the degree of quality instruction which will ensure a beneficial learning experience for students.
• Develop curriculum at all levels, especially in new content areas.
• Maintain currency in the field through active participation in professional development activities.
• Participate in professional associations, such as EnglishUSA, TESOL, CATESOL, the CSU Consortium, and others, as deemed appropriate.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned 5%

• Other academic support as needed.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline to which the individual is assigned.
• Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment.
• Ability to instruct and evaluate students.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be well-organized and detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.

Required Minimum Education & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in TESOL/TESL/TEFL, or Master’s degree in closely related field (e.g. Applied Linguistics) with coursework successfully completed in the following areas: Language teaching methodology, The nature of language (e.g., linguistics), English structure, Second language acquisition, Intercultural communication, and Practicum.
• Working knowledge of instructional technology and education platforms such as Canvas LMS, Microsoft and Google Suites, particularly MS Excel.
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching in a university-based IEP (Intensive English Program) or similar ESL Institute.
• Exceptional written and spoken English, grammatical constructs, syntax, etc.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Certificate in TESL/TEFL or equivalent
• 2 years of experience in academic or administration of a university-based IEP (Intensive English Program) OR a similar ESL institute.
• Foreign language proficiency and period of residence abroad preferred.
• Teacher training experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.  

Salary : $6,232 - $6,417