IRIS seeking Teacher for Summer Learning Program (PT, temporary job)

[Kelly Hebrank]

IRIS- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a dynamic nonprofit organization in New Haven CT, is seeking a part-time teacher for its Summer Learning Program. The mission of IRIS is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut's communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, Congo, and Sudan.

The Summer Learning Program is a free, safe, academically and socially enriching environment for children ages 5-16, weekday mornings from 9:00am-12:30pm. The Summer Learning Program's focus is on English language acquisition, positive socialization and school readiness. This is a multicultural classroom with youth who often do not hear English spoken in their homes.

The lead teacher will coordinate and facilitate daily programming for approximately 35 refugee students, who will be divided into separate groups or gathered together as the teacher sees fit to best promote academic and social success. The lead teacher will organize, use, and supervise volunteers to assist with facilitating lessons and student supervision. With the support of volunteers, the lead teacher will be responsible for assessing and meeting daily needs of students and for creating the best possible learning environment for students, inside and outside the classroom. The lead teacher will be responsible for helping to organize recreational opportunities and accompany students on field trips to sites around the state and for helping to organize visitors to the program.

The ideal candidate will have or be working towards Elementary Education or TESOL certification, or a related field, and will have experience with children in an educational setting. Candidates should also have experience working closely with other adults and, preferably, supervisory experience. Awareness of and sensitivity to cross-cultural issues is a must.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to: Tanya Kimball Genn, Education & Youth Services Coordinator, at [e-mail]