Employment Posting:
Full-Time, ESL Instructor
Pathways English Program
The Pathways English Program, offering free language classes to eligible newcomers, is one of the foundational pillars of the Cowichan Intercultural Society. It is essential to our work ensuring that newcomers feel welcomed, can develop their full potential, and flourish in our community. We also seek to support our community in embracing diversity and enhancing intercultural awareness. We are seeking a flexible, adaptable instructor to teach both in-person/hybrid and online classes. Content, using the LINC curriculum guidelines, should focus on developing linguistic competence, as well as cultural understanding (work environments, Canadian customs, etc.). We are seeking local applicants. Technological ability is required: familiarity with online platforms, learning management systems, and resources (i.e., Zoom, Moodle, EduLink, EdModo, ESL Library, Meeting OWL Technology etc.) is essential, in addition to in-person teaching skills. Program Context:
CIS is launching a Community ESL Program Pathways English Program which will run until April 2027 to address a critical gap in language training access for newcomers in the Cowichan Valley who do not qualify for federally funded language programs. Many Temporary Foreign Workers, Refugee Claimants, and other Temporary Residents in our region are eager to improve their English but have no access to structured, quality instruction. The Pathways English Program is CLB-informed and structured around three instructional levels — Foundation (CLB 1–4), Intermediate (CLB 5–8), and Advanced (CLB 9–12) — with a primary focus on the intermediate range where the majority of our clients fall. Classes run a minimum of three days per week, 1.5–2 hours per session, and are grounded in real-life, task-based learning tied to employment, settlement, and community participation.
This Pathways English Program is a structured, evidence-informed program that connects language development to employment outcomes, social inclusion, and pathways toward Permanent Residency. The ESL Teacher plays a central role in making that happen. CIS is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and experienced ESL Teacher to design and deliver high-quality English language instruction to adult newcomers in the Cowichan Valley. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching across one or more CLB levels, developing and adapting curriculum using a task-based, learner-centred approach, conducting CLB-referenced assessments, supporting learner integration and retention, and contributing to the program's reporting and funder compliance requirements.
This position requires someone who understands the complex realities of newcomer populations — including the unique needs of Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers,
and others navigating precarious immigration status — and who is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment.
The ESL Teacher will work closely with the Language Learning and Communications Coordinator, CIS settlement staff, and community partners to ensure learners receive integrated support that goes beyond the classroom.
The ideal candidate must have:
- Bachelor's Degree and TESL Canada teaching Certification (or equivalent provincial designation, e.g., TESL BC) / Post-secondary degree or diploma in Education, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, TESL/TEFL, or a related field.
- Minimum of 4-years teaching experience in adult ESL settings
- Demonstrated familiarity with Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA) and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is an asset or the willingness to complete the free PBLA training and implement in the classroom. Demonstrated knowledge of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) framework and ability to use CLB descriptors for instructional planning and learner assessment. Formal training or certification in Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA). is an asset, not a requirement.
- Experience in CELPIP, IELTS, or TOEFL test preparation instruction.
- CLBPT or CLBPA assessor certification, or willingness to obtain.
- Ability to work with mixed CLB levels in a group setting.
- Competency using technology in the classroom (including basic instructional equipment, such as printer and projector) and online teaching experience (familiar with online platforms such as Zoom).
- A sensitivity for intercultural and inclusive communities.
- Excellence in verbal, written and interpersonal communications.
- Demonstrated success in relationship building
- Ability to mentor and guide the other ESL teachers
- Healthy boundaries and understanding of one’s capacities and limitations
- Ability to stay focused (with a positive attitude) in a busy environment
- Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple, moving parts while maintaining attention to detail
- Adeptness at skill liaising between students, teachers, assistants, Childcare Coordinator, upper management, and CIS staff in general
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt
- Outstanding organizational skills, including managing multiple classes, teachers and schedules
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft 365 (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel) and internet research
- Willingness to embrace new ideas/systems as the landscape of our work changes and evolves.
- Ability to share our vision and mission and engage others in support of Cowichan Intercultural Society.
This position is full time at 30 hours per week, including prep time. We will determine instruction hours with the successful candidate and registered students. Flexibility of the successful candidate is key as scheduling may change from time to time. The hourly wage is $30.00/hour and includes paid time off and sick/wellness leave. After successful completion of the probationary period, this position includes extended health benefits, RRSP contribution, and professional development funds. This position ends March 31, 2027, subject to renewal.
Primary work location is CIS offices and program spaces in Duncan, BC; some community partner site delivery may be required.
Class hours are typically scheduled during morning or daytime hours to accommodate working participants; some evening availability may be requested.
We thank all applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.
Job posting open until June 30 at 4:00 pm. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Interested candidates should provide resume and cover letter in PDF format to: Elissa Smith, Acting Executive Director, at [email protected]
Job Description – ESL Instructor
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teaching and Curriculum Delivery
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging, CLB-aligned ESL lessons for adult newcomers across Foundation, Intermediate, and/or Advanced levels, as assigned
- Use a task-based and competency-based instructional approach that prioritizes real-world communication over isolated grammar drills
- Develop and adapt lesson plans using authentic materials relevant to participants' daily lives, employment contexts, and settlement needs
- Deliver instruction across all four skill areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing — integrated into thematic, communicative lessons
- Rotate through the program's five thematic modules across the program year: Employment and Workplace Communication
- Daily Life and Settlement
- Community and Social Integration
- Financial Literacy
- Education and Academic English
- Incorporate standardized test preparation (CELPIP, IELTS, TOEFL) into Advanced-level instruction where appropriate
- Differentiate instruction to accommodate varied literacy backgrounds, learning styles, prior education levels, and language acquisition rates within a single class group
- Maintain a classroom environment that is welcoming, culturally safe, and physically and emotionally accessible to all participants
- Learner Support, Engagement, and Retention
- Foster a learner-centred classroom culture where participants feel heard, respected, and motivated to engage.
- Build supportive relationships with learners that acknowledge their strengths, experiences, and goals without making assumptions about their background or capacity.
- Proactively identify and respond to barriers to attendance and participation (e.g., transportation, childcare, employment scheduling, mental health, trauma responses)
- Support learner retention through consistent follow-up, flexible scheduling arrangements (where possible), and regular communication
- Recognize signs of distress, trauma responses, or crisis situations and respond in a trauma-informed manner, escalating to appropriate staff or resources when needed
- Celebrate learner milestones, gains, and achievements in culturally meaningful ways
- Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practice
- Consistently apply trauma-informed principles in all aspects of instruction and learner interaction — including how content is introduced, how errors are corrected, and how classroom expectations are communicated
- Create psychological safety in the classroom: no cold-calling that causes anxiety, no humiliating correction, and space for learners to choose how much they share about their personal experiences
- Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse cultural, linguistic, religious, and gender identities represented in the classroom
- Understand and respond appropriately to the specific experiences and vulnerabilities of Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers, survivors of violence or displacement, and other vulnerable newcomers
- Actively work to disrupt power imbalances in the classroom and model anti-oppressive, inclusive facilitation at all times
- Participate in ongoing professional development related to trauma-informed care, equity, and cultural competency
- Newcomer Integration and Settlement Support
- Design lessons that build participants' capacity to navigate Canadian systems — including health care, employment, education, legal services, and government programs
- Introduce learners to local community resources, services, and events as part of the curriculum (e.g., CIS programs, WorkBC, local health authority, libraries, recreation centres)
- Work collaboratively with CIS settlement staff to ensure learner needs identified in the classroom are connected to appropriate services
- Support learners in understanding language requirements for immigration pathways (e.g., Express Entry, BC PNP) and connect them to appropriate resources and referrals
- Contribute to a program culture that honours newcomers as full community participants and supports their long-term sense of belonging in the Cowichan Valley
- Digital Literacy and Hybrid/Online Teaching
- Incorporate digital literacy components into lessons to build participants' comfort with technology used in Canadian workplaces and daily life (e.g., email, online banking, virtual appointments, government portals)
- Utilize AI-assisted language learning tools, pronunciation apps, vocabulary platforms, and other digital supports as appropriate learning aids
- Deliver or support hybrid instruction (in-person plus online components) if required by program needs or participant circumstances
- Create and share digital learning resources (lesson materials, recordings, practice activities) through a shared platform or learning management system (LMS) as established by the program
- Ensure digital equity is considered — not all participants have home access to devices or internet — and avoid penalising those without access
- Administrative and Reporting Duties
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance records for all classes; report absences and trends promptly to the Coordinator
- Complete all required program documentation including intake forms, learner profiles, assessment records, progress reports, and exit documentation
- Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual program reports as required by funders and as directed by the Coordinator or ED
- Maintain confidentiality of all learner information in accordance with CIS policies and applicable privacy legislation
- Participate in regular check-ins, team meetings, and program planning sessions with CIS staff
- Flag any funder compliance concerns, data gaps, or reporting challenges promptly and proactively
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
