Lead Teacher, CIRI Summer English Academy at Connecticut Institute For Refu – New Haven, 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 New Haven public school system. This year, up to 50 students aged 6-15 from Afghanistan will participate in ESL, creative arts, science, and Friday field trips.

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 – 2nd, 3rd - 4th, 5th -7th, and 8th – 10th. 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 12-15 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. On Fridays, Lead Teachers will help chaperone Friday field trips to offsite locations.

Position term: July 6th –July 31st, 2026

Pay: $35 / hour

Hours:

Pre-program Training and Planning: 1 to 2 planning sessions/check ins throughout the month of June (exact times and dates flexible, TBD). Required first aid training on Wednesday, June 24th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Main Program: July 6th – July 31st: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-2:00pm (includes breakfast, lunch, classroom instruction between 9:00am-12:00pm and various afternoon activities from 12:30-2:00.) Weekly check-in meeting each Wednesday throughout the duration of SEA at 2:00pm.

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 12-15 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

•Chaperone Friday Field Trips

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 (Dari/Persian, Pashto