ELL Instructor at Rikers ; Part-Time

ELL Instructor (Part-Time) – Rikers Island

Job Type: Part Time

Start Date:

July 16, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
July 15, 2026

Location:

Hybrid – work must be performed in or near New York, NY

Compensation: USD $32–$34 per hour (rate is non‑negotiable; top of range is maximum)

Education:

4‑Year Degree Required

Cause Areas:
Civic Engagement, Education, Prison Reform, Volunteering

The Petey Greene Program (PGP) seeks an English Language Learning (ELL) instructor to deliver high‑quality programming for incarcerated students at Rikers Island. The role supports the launch of PGP educational programming at the facility and collaborates closely with the Program Manager to design and implement small‑group instruction that meets student needs while complying with facility requirements.

• Assess ELL student goals and levels.
• Design engaging ELL lessons covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for 2–10 students per class.
• Facilitate 4–9 class sessions per week, each 1.5–2 hours long, on a schedule to be agreed upon during the interview.
• Plan and implement formative and summative assessments.
• Integrate PGP volunteer tutors into lesson plans for supplementary and 1‑on‑1 support outside class.
• Review and provide feedback on student work between classes.
• Collect and analyse student academic progress data weekly and adjust curricula accordingly.
• Maintain records of student progress with the Program Manager.
• Implement feedback from students, colleagues, and NYCDOC staff to refine curricula and instruction.
• Adapt teaching to ensure ongoing alignment with student needs.
• Build rapport with learners and discuss academic, personal, and professional goals.
• Collaborate with other instructors and the Program Manager to provide a continuum of educational support.
• Participate in daily on‑site meetings with the Rikers team to align services and coordinate student support.
• Participate in weekly regional team meetings with all PGP staff.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a related field.
• Certification or degree in TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA.
• At least 1 year of direct ELL instruction experience for adults.
• Familiarity with adult learning theory, culturally responsive pedagogy, and trauma‑informed teaching practices.
• Familiarity with supporting emerging literacy skills among ELL students.
• Ability to interpret academic progress data and implement data‑driven instruction.
• Strong communication skills across diverse stakeholders (students, facility administrators, tutors, partners).
• Ability to develop, implement, and adapt curricula aligned with mission and vision.
• Ability to create lesson materials for low‑tech or no‑tech environments.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and problem‑solving oriented.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar).
• Awareness of issues related to mass incarceration and broader social justice concerns.
• Must be eligible to be cleared to enter NYCDOC facilities.

• Master’s degree in Adult Education, TESOL, or a related field.
• State teaching certification or comparable credential.
• Experience with blended learning or integrating online platforms with in‑person instruction.
• Experience working with NYC Department of Corrections or related organizations.
• Experience leading education programming in carceral environments.
• Experience with community‑based organizations supporting formerly incarcerated people.
• Bilingual in English and another language.
• Experience with tutor‑centric or volunteer programs.
• Understanding of the U.S. criminal legal system and local policies.

• 401(k) retirement plan.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Paid winter break between Christmas and New Year’s Day plus 10 paid holidays annually.
• Vacations: full‑time employees accrue 20 days, 1 floating holiday, and 12 sick days; part‑time employees accrue proportionally.
• PGP closes at 1 PM on Fridays from June through August.

The Petey Greene Program is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its personnel decisions based on race, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/domestic partner status, religion, age, disability status, veteran status, or former incarceration status. We are committed to an inclusive and supportive workplace for all staff, particularly system‑impacted people, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Send an email to nyjobs with the subject “ELL Instructor (Part‑Time) at Rikers Island.” Attach your resume and a cover letter (applications without a cover letter will not be considered).