Job Opportunities

(Part-time 34 hours with benefits)

The Learning Lounge Coordinator/Lead ESL Teacher is responsible for managing day to day operations of technology enabled learning to library adult patrons at several Learning Lounges throughout Rhode Island and teaching classes to adult English language learners.

Primary duties and responsibilities: 

Managing Learning Lounges

• Willing and able to work with and guide diverse learners covering a wide array of learning topics, including basic math, reading, work/career readiness, digital literacy, and ESL.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Learning Lounge volunteers.
• Communicate with agency staff and community partners to refer students in need of community resources.
• Manage data collection and reporting and analysis.
• Conduct outreach to help connect and refer the Learning Lounge patrons to appropriate community partners and resources in the community and market Learning Lounge services across the state.
• Ensure smooth running of Learning Lounge technology and spaces. Troubleshoot as needed.
• Willing and able to sustain open and ongoing communication with supervisors.

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Develop and implement instructional lessons based on student’s proficiency level using relevant content standards.
• Deliver learner-centered and interactive learning activities that facilitate student learning of content areas and develop their language skills, including reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary development.
• Differentiate instruction and use varied instructional modalities: individualized, collaborative student groupings, whole class instruction, and blended learning.
• Document adult learner progress on formal and informal assessments and maintain necessary student information for compliance with data requirements; properly and timely administer all required testing to students.
• Motivate and support adults in a culturally responsive manner; Analyze student progress to identify areas for improvement; Provide on-going to feedback to students and to supervisors.
• Position may require teaching in other subjects including Citizenship Preparation and GED.

The successful candidate will be a(n):

• Educator with knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of adult learners; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.
• Flexible professional with the ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks.
• The duties of this position may change over time based on varying funding sources, community needs and other factors.
• Forward-thinker with a record of developing imaginative solutions to problems and creating support for solutions.
• Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and patrons/students with proven success in working with community partners, specifically in workforce development, adult education and/or diverse community outreach efforts.
• Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning.
• Knowledge of current trends in career and workforce readiness and education, outcome-based assessment including digital badging and the concept of connected learning are a plus.
• Comfort with training others.
• Mission-oriented professional.

Experience, education, and minimum requirements:

• BS/BA in ESOL/Education or equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with adult students preferred.
• Commitment to working with adults of diverse economic, linguistic, and/or cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in technology skills needed to teach Northstar or other Digital Literacy curriculum.
• Experience in data collection and reporting, program and budget management, and strong computer and technology skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with community partners, staff, and administration in a collaborative, productive, and supportive manner.
• Position is based at Providence Public Library but must have ability to work independently off-site; locations may include libraries, schools, work sites, community and government organizations, etc.
• Knowledge of Spanish or other second language is helpful, but not required.
• Available during weeknights and/or weekend morning.

Additional info:

• Driving/Travel requirements – 80+% - local
• Position Location – Providence, RI and surrounding urban core cities
• Physical requirements – Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
• Hours/Conditions – Grant-funded position, 34 hour work week plus benefits (hours may increase based on additional funding)
• This position is exempt and not part of the union.
• Pay rate - $21/hr

Cover letter and resume should be submitted no later than September 17. 

To apply, submit cover letter and resume to:

Email:  hr@provlib.org

Or via regular mail to:

Human Resources
Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Email: hr@provlib.org

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.