Lead Teacher, CIRI Summer English Academy at Connecticut Institute For Refu – Stamford, Connecticut

Job Overview/Summary:

The Summer English Academy (SEA) at the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is a four-week program focusing on preparing newly arrived refugee youth to succeed at their grade level in the Stamford public school system. This year, up to 40 students aged 5-15 from Ukraine will participate in ESL, creative arts, and science.

In each grade grouping, the SEA Lead Teachers will teach a self-contained classroom, teaching English, Science, and other curricular offerings. Expected grade groups are 1st – 12th. Exact grade level groupings are subject to change based on student enrollment demographics.

Each Lead Teacher is expected to collaborate with the Head of Academy to design culturally relevant lesson plans for a class of approximately 6-10 students. Given the varied English language acquisition levels, life, and formal education experiences of the student body, the Lead Teacher must consistently plan for differentiated, trauma-informed instruction and utilize a sheltered instructional approach for teaching English Language Learners. Throughout their classroom activities, Lead Teachers will be expected to contribute to the Program’s goals of fostering students’ social-emotional development and building a strong sense of community among the students and staff. Candidates must specify which grade group they prefer to teach. In the afternoons, Lead Teachers will supervise afternoon activities while the Teacher Aides and visiting activities primarily lead.

Position term: July 13th –August 6st, 2025

Pay: $35 / hour

Hours:

Pre-program Training and Planning: Two to three planning sessions/check ins throughout the month of June (exact times and dates flexible, TBD). Attend a mandatory First-Aid Training on June 24th from 3PM-5PM at CIRI 410 Colorado Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605.

Main Program: July 13th - August 6st : Monday – Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm (includes classroom instruction between 9:00am-12:00pm, lunch from 12:00pm-12:30pm and various afternoon activities from 12:30pm-3:00pm.)

Major Responsibilities:

•Participate in the Teachers Meet & Greet, instructional planning sessions, and pre- program All Staff trainings

•Plan four weeks of culturally responsive lesson plans for a class of approximately 10 students, utilizing the sheltered instructional model for teaching English Language Learners

•Submit clear and detailed lessons plans weekly

•Submit a curriculum overview upon completion of the Academy

•Complete a program reflection supplemented with student work samples

•Effectively plan for and incorporate Teacher Aide(s) into classroom instruction

•Supervise students during breakfast, snacks, and breaks

Job Requirements:

•Current and valid teaching certification

•Prior classroom teaching experience

•Prior experience planning and delivering culturally responsive lessons for English Language Learners

•ESL experience desirable

•Strong cultural competence

•Ability to work independently and as part of a team

•Second language proficiency in relevant language desirable (Ukraine/Russian)