If you have the ability to teach, NIACC will help you teach English as a Second Language.
Learn why.
The Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program at NIACC provides people over the age of 17 with accessible, quality instruction to develop work, life, and literacy skills. Many of these classes are supported by federal and state funds, and provide a slew of opportunities for higher learning, job potential, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
One AEL program focuses on North Iowans who do not have the skills to read, write and speak English as it is their second language (ESL).
According to the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, there are approximately 32 million adults in the United States who are unable to read.
For many, learning a second language is hard. In most situations, it is done on the side, sort of like an afterthought as you complete a bucket list dream of traveling to a foreign country.
Now… imagine being immersed in that country, not knowing what is happening around you. People are talking, but you do not understand. Street signs give directions, but you cannot find your way. You’re forced to string together bits and pieces of the language here and there in hopes to create anything resembling a sentence.
There’s no doubt this is quite frustrating.
Therefore, there is an abundance of people seeking to enroll in ESL classes. However, there is a significant shortage of people available to teach these classes.
Director of Education to Employment, Molly Anderegg, states “We have many opportunities to teach with our Adult Education program, and it’s incredibly rewarding and flexible. Currently, the greatest need is providing English as a Second Language classes in the workplace; we have several manufacturers across North Iowa seeking onsite classes for their employees.”
ESL teachers bridge the language barrier, they are cultural mentors to students helping them navigate the many differences of living and working in a new country.
Learn How
A four-year college degree is required and some teaching experience preferred. However, your teaching experience can include trainings you may have led in non-education industries.
NIACC provides a standards-based curriculum for all ESL teachers, taking the pressure off the teacher.
And NIACC trains you!
Also remember, you do not need to be bilingual. The curriculum is structured around teaching English to students fluent in any other language; therefore, you need only to know English to teach.
To learn more about how you can have a direct impact on the lives and futures of these students, reach out to the NIACC Education to Employment division of Continuing Education.
Beyond the functional level of being able to read to maintain steady work, literacy plays a vital role in people becoming socially engaged citizens. Being able to read and write means being able to keep up with current events, communicate with others effectively, and understand the issues shaping our world today.
