San Diego State University Research Foundation
Part-time EFL/ESL Instructor (Pool)

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20062
Type: Temporary
# of Openings: 5
Category: Education/Training
ALI - American Language Institute

Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after March 6, 2026.
• Please submit a cover letter in addition to a resume and complete SDSURF employment application.
• The salary for this position is budgeted $45 per hour and is non-negotiable.

Founded in 1974, the ALI (American Language Institute) is the oldest university-based IEP in San Diego County. The ALI, a unit within SDSU Global Campus International Programs, provides English language training and university preparation to international students and other non-native English speakers. Some of these students are preparing to matriculate to American universities, including SDSU.

The ALI offers English skills classes to students in various programs which range from 4 weeks to 1 semester in duration with 11 start dates possible per year.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Reporting to the IEP Director, the Part-time ESL Instructor is responsible for performing college-level classroom instruction. The instructor must be able to teach a variety of skills and subjects to students with English proficiency levels ranging from A1 to C2 demonstrating teaching excellence and knowledge of subject matter.

New students may join (or leave) classes throughout the semester, so instruction must be delivered in 4-week modules over the course of the semester. Some classes have assigned textbooks and others do not. Instructors are asked to teach according to set Student Learning Outcomes and not necessarily on chapters in a textbook; independence, creativity, and flexibility are essential.

All courses are taught through Canvas LMS. Proficiency in Canvas or a similar platform is essential. Collegiality, cooperation, and communication with colleagues is key to success in this environment, as well as attention to multiple administrative tasks such as attendance-keeping and grade reporting throughout the semester.

Teaching hours for this position vary, but classes are typically 75 minutes each and offered Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 3:45 pm and Friday from 9:30 am - 11:45 am. Classes are taught 100% in person through SDSU Global Campus. Class sizes vary from 2 to 40 students in a class (with a class-size average of 12) and may fluctuate throughout the semester as students join or leave the program. Most classes meet either on MW or on TTh with some classes meeting M-Th. Friday’s class is a workshop-style, experiential class and is taught by a different instructor every 4 weeks.

Instructors will be assigned, on average, 1-4 classes (3-12 hours per week) for periods ranging from one month to one full semester. There are 3 instructor meetings each semester: semester opening, mid-semester (professional development), and semester end. These meetings are typically held on Fridays.

This is not a professorship nor are the classes credit-bearing. Students are non-matriculated. Instructors will be employees of SDSU Research Foundation, not of San Diego State University. Being hired for this position will add you to the instructor pool; it is not a guarantee of teaching hours. An offer of teaching hours will depend on program needs and is based on enrollment numbers.

COMPENSATION NOTE: Pay is set at two rates: $45/hour per contact hour (time in classroom providing instruction) + $25/hour for admin work (prep, grading, meetings, etc.) SDSU parking permits are required for all employees parking on campus, and parking rates vary based on the type of permit chosen.

Responsibilities

Classroom and Instruction Related 75%

• Deliver level-appropriate, intensive English instruction aligned with program curriculum and learning outcomes.
• Teach integrated and/or discrete language skills, including grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and academic skills.
• Develop clear, objective-driven lesson plans that support measurable language development.
• Use communicative and interactive teaching methods appropriate for adult multilingual learners.
• Design and adapt instructional materials to meet diverse linguistic and cultural needs.
• Assess student learning through aligned formative and summative evaluations.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback on written and oral performance.
• Utilize the Canvas LMS as the primary platform for course delivery, record keeping, assessments, grading, and assignment submission; supplemental tools and materials may be used, but Canvas must serve as the central instructional hub.
• Differentiate instruction to support varied proficiency levels and learning needs.
• Maintain an inclusive, respectful, and academically focused classroom environment while preparing students for university study or professional contexts through instruction in academic language and learning strategies.

Non-Instructional Related 20%

• Maintain accurate attendance and grade records and submit required reports and final grades on time.
• Prepare and distribute a syllabus, course calendar, and attendance policy for each class taught.
• Follow program academic calendar requirements, including diagnostic testing, level changes, and early alert procedures.
• Carefully read and follow detailed written instructions and guidance.
• Participate in student orientation and placement activities as assigned.
• Communicate program policies, deadlines, and events to students as directed.
• Attend required staff meetings and professional development sessions.
• Support program events, including certificate ceremonies and designated student activities; may lead educational field trips as appropriate.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Qualifications
Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline to which the individual is assigned.
• Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment.
• Ability to instruct and evaluate students.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with a high energy level and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Well organized, detail oriented, possess good judgment and common sense.
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Word-processing skills required, database management skills a plus.
• Current knowledge and expertise in the subject area.

Required Minimum Experience

• 2 years teaching experience in a university-affiliated Intensive English Program (IEP) or a comparable English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Required Minimum Education

• Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Applied Linguistics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• TESL, TEFL, TESOL, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Foreign language proficiency and international living experience.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law. Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices. SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.