National Adult Literacy Database

Parkdale Project Read In Partnership with George Brown College
is looking for an Academic Upgrading Instructor

Parkdale Project Read is a community-based non-profit adult literacy program. We are partnered with George Brown College to provide academic upgrading to youth in the community, along with support to students as they transition to post-secondary education. The Academic Upgrading program is designed for young adults who have not completed secondary school and want to gain skills necessary to continue education or further training.

Primary Responsibilities:

Parkdale Project Read is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Academic Upgrading Instructor to teach onsite in our community-based Academic Upgrading program. Subject areas include Communications (grade 10 – 12 level, based on College Academic and Career Entrance – ACE – program outcomes) and basic computers. In addition to teaching students who may be at varying levels of skill and working on different activities in one class, the successful candidate is required to:

• Work cooperatively as a member of a staff collective in a bustling community-based adult literacy program, sharing programming and administrative responsibilities involved in daily operations
• Create and maintain a nurturing learning environment that fosters critical thinking and holistic learning
• Research and develop creative, multi-media curriculum that will successfully engage youth in their learning
• Outreach to diverse communities and develop ongoing partnerships with youth groups and organizations
• Provide coaching and support that encourages youth to fully participate and be successful in the program
• Create and use a variety of assessment tools and strategies that identify students’ barriers and highlight and build on their strengths
• Work in partnership with students to develop individualized goals and action plans
• Work one-to-one with students in a coaching, tutoring, counseling and advocacy role
• Provide crisis intervention and support for learners who have experienced individual and systemic violence
• Use computers as a teaching tool to enhance learning and prepare students for school and work
• Support students to find and strengthen their unique voice and to express it through writing and speaking
• Help students build skills related to student success at college, such as critical and reflective thinking, time management, self-assessment, and study skills

The successful candidate is also expected to serve as a liaison between Parkdale Project Read and George Brown College, facilitating communication on program and student success, while ensuring community-based students have access to the College’s services.

Qualifications:

• University Degree with at least two years community-based and/or college teaching experience
• Ability to work cooperatively and cohesively within a team
• Training in one or more of the following: adult education, curriculum development, literacy instruction, assessment
• Demonstrated commitment to working from an anti-oppression/social justice perspective
• Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds and with varied learning styles
• Experience in identifying, coaching, working and teaching youth and adults who experience unique learning challenges in a regular school setting
• Experience in designing and implementing creative and engaging curriculum
• Experience in assessment and goal-setting with students
• Effective written and oral communication, interpersonal, organizational and group facilitation skills
• Proficiency in MS office, competent computer skills and the ability to teach basic computers
• Experience with the Academic and Career Entrance (A.C.E) equivalency program would be an asset
• Flexibility to work some evenings

Wage:  $28.00 per hour, with benefits after three months and full membership in the staff collective after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Please forward resume and cover letter by 5 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2011 to:

Hiring Committee, Parkdale Project Read (refer to Academic Upgrading Instructor position)
1209 King Street West, Unit 2, Toronto, Ontario M6K 1G2
E-mail: pprjob@gmail.com
No faxes or phone calls please

Parkdale Project Read is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages members of equity groups to apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.