REACH Background:

Launched in 2016, Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) annually engages more than 100 refugee youth and family members from places like Afghanistan, Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria in experiential learning activities focused on STEAM education and adventure sports. Programs include summer and weekend adventure camps, adventure-based ESL, peer mentoring and leadership development, nature playgroups for mothers with small children, and other support services.

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Position:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Adventure-Based English Instructor / Data Assistant will provide instructional and data assistance within REACH’s Weekend Adventure and Summer Adventure Camps, Peer Mentor Leadership Program, and Nature Play Groups. Please review the list of responsibilities and qualifications. While this is an ideal list, candidates that do not have all of the qualifications, but who have sufficient experience and talent, will be seriously considered for the position.

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The position is part-time, hourly, not to exceed 400 hours, between October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 with an option to continue or increase hours in the next fiscal year. The hourly wage is $17.50.

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Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Develop Adventure-Based English curricula and lesson plans, tailoring them to meet the needs of varying language levels and cultural backgrounds of the youth participants.

• Help teach and/or embed Adventure-Based English lessons into REACH adventure camp sessions, in coordination with REACH Executive Director and Coaches.

• Support adventure camp sessions, as needed.

• Teach or guide youth participants using pro-social, research-based SBYD practices.

• Track participant progress and work closely with REACH Coaches to promote youth vocabulary and speaking skills development.

• Tutor youth participants in Adventure-Based English, as needed.

• Administer pre-and post-English exams, including quarterly assessments to ensure participant English progress and to determine level gains and academic needs.

• Adopt, design and implement effective learning activities for multi-level English speakers to promote Adventure-Based English level gains for all participants.

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Data Coordination

• Identify and secure a CRM database system in coordination with REACH Executive Director.

• Enter and maintain all participant and donor data in new database system on an ongoing basis.

• Collect and help analyze data for quarterly reports to donors and funders with Executive Director.

• Assist with quarterly administration of participant and volunteer surveys and focus group discussions

• Produce data reports or presentations, as needed.

• Collect and record youth participant attendance, meeting minutes, adventure camp and training session activities, in collaboration with REACH Coaches.

• Collect and record all youth evaluation surveys, skills progress reports, and advancement records, in coordination with the Executive Director.

• Help build and maintain a Peer Mentor Leadership Program library of activity sheets, lesson plans, skills assessment forms, and advancement literature in coordination with the Executive Director and Peer Mentor Leadership Coach.

 

Outreach & Engagement

• Attend professional coalition and community meetings, as needed.

• Participate in curriculum and activities planning, staff meetings and conferences.

• Conduct youth participant enrollment interviews and registrations, as needed.

• Meet quarterly with youth participants and parents to review report cards, English learning progress, and areas for academic growth.

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Participant Advocacy

• Mentor youth participants by helping them with school challenges, modeling good behavior, boosting self-confidence, recognizing leadership potential, and following the Code of Conduct, as needed.

• Individually tutor specific youth participants as requested by parents and/or Executive Director.

• Assist Coaches in referring youth participants or families to service providers, when necessary.

• Evaluate youth participants’ strengths and challenges and co-develop suitable learning activities to advance vocabulary, speaking skills and comfort levels.

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Needed Qualifications:

• 10 hours per week availability, including at least two weekend days per month

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong dependability and willingness to be part of a small, interdependent team

• Deep knowledge of the English language in all its complexity and of various methods of teaching English to non-native speakers

• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks

• Strong intercultural competence and ability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds

• Proficiency in MS Office and general computer and technology skills

• Independent, critical thinker with strong problem-solving ability, patience, and flexibility in face of constantly changing situations

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; Background in ESL or TESOL instruction preferred

• Fluency in second language preferred, but not required

• Experience working with newcomer populations or at-risk children and youth preferred

• Driver’s license preferred

• Must be able to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays

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Certifications/Clearances Required:

• Criminal background checks and child abuse clearances

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Application Procedures:

Submit a brief cover letter and resume to reachinchicago@gmail.com with the subject heading “Application for REACH Adventure-Based English Instructor Position.”

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Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

 

At REACH, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core our mission. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and equity for refugee youth and their families in the U.S. We believe that every person deserves respect, dignity and opportunity regardless of their background, identity or circumstances. We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where refugee youth and their families can thrive, learn and contribute to their new communities. We collaborate with partners across sectors to advocate for the rights and needs of refugee youth and their families and to promote access and inclusion for all.