Information
Description
Need: The team in Barcelona is looking for experienced NAMB-certified ESL teachers to teach six-week English as a Foreign Language classes out of a local community center in a diverse immigrant neighborhood. Teachers will also need to assist with children’s and youth English clubs as part of the ongoing program at the center.
Goal: To share the Gospel of Jesus with English students by incorporating a Biblical element into each class period.
(Note: A variety of methods can be used to intentionally incorporate Biblical truth into classes, including prayer, devotional thoughts, songs, Scripture verses, personal testimony or Bible stories. However, teachers should not attempt to include every element in each class period. Care must be given to thoroughly teach the curriculum and practice functional language. Additionally, teachers should intentionally create opportunities to share the Gospel with students during individual appointments.)
Requirements for Teachers:
- Personal relationship with Jesus
- Daily life and testimony that is fitting for a believer
- Active church member
- NAMB-certified in ESL
- ESL teaching experience, preferably in a ministry setting
- Good physical health and able to do a lot of walking
- Able to adapt to an urban environment
- Self-motivated
- Spanish abilities are helpful, but not required
Responsibilities:
- Assess students’ English proficiency levels.
- Prepare lesson plans and teach a beginner adult English class using the Foundations curriculum by Molinsky and Bliss according to the teaching methods from Teaching English Language Learners the Good News. (One teacher will teach the beginners class and the other teacher will teach the intermediate/advanced class.)
- Prepare lesson plans and teach an intermediate/advanced adult English class using the Side by Side curriculum Molinsky and Bliss according to the teaching methods from Teaching English Language Learners the Good News.
- Prepare lesson plans and teach a multi-level adult English class using the Foundations curriculum according to the teaching methods from Teaching English Language Learners the Good News. The majority of the students will be beginners, but there is a possibility of students with a higher level joining the class. (Teachers will co-teach this class but will have the option of dividing the students into two groups if needed.)
- Offer individual half-hour appointments for students who want additional practice.
- Keep detailed records of materials covered and students’ progress for future classes.
- Assist with a Children’s English Club on Monday nights, teaching English to elementary age children, grades 1-6. Materials will be provided.
- Assist with a Youth English Club on Wednesday nights, teaching English to grades 7 and up. Materials will be provided.
- Meet with the Barcelona team for prayer and planning the children’s and youth classes.
Orientation and field policies:
The Barcelona team will provide pre-trip training materials to be completed prior to arrival. Orientation will be provided after arrival. Orientation will include cultural information, safety recommendations, security guidelines and practical help with public transportation and shopping.
Teachers must comply with IMB and the Barcelona team requirements for short term volunteers, including the child protection policy, insurance policy and social media agreement. More information regarding these policies will be provided.
Security:
The Barcelona team operates under strict security protocol to protect seekers and believers from hostile religious backgrounds. While Spain is an open country with religious freedom, the Barcelona team ministers to immigrants from closed countries. Teachers must be willing to operate within the guidelines of IMB for high security areas to protect the field workers and their ministry. Training and guidelines will be provided.
Schedule:
Business hours in Spain are from 9:00-2:00 and 5:00-9:00. Many businesses close during the afternoon for siesta. Schools also break in the afternoon and children go home for lunch. Teachers will have their afternoons free during lunch and siesta.
Spain is a late-night culture, with many people working later into the evening than in the US. Most Spaniards will not eat dinner until 9:00 pm. Teachers should be aware that they may have some late nights, especially if they choose to eat dinner after class. It is safe to travel on public transportation and walk in familiar areas after dark; however, it is recommended that teachers travel in pairs after dark since they will be in an unfamiliar environment.
Lodging:
Teachers will stay in the city of Badalona, a suburb of Barcelona. The Barcelona team will recommend an Airbnb apartment that is located near public transit and a 15-minute walk from the center. To save on the cost of lodging, it is recommended that teachers share an apartment.
Local transportation:
Teachers will travel to the center by public transportation (the metro) or walking. The Barcelona team will provide metro maps and extensive training on how to use public transportation. Teachers will be expected to travel independently for ministry and tourism.
Meals:
Teachers will be responsible for their own meal arrangements. They may cook in or eat out, depending on their preferences and budget restrictions. There is a kitchen available for use at the center.
Lunch is the main meal of the day, and it can be a lengthy affair. Restaurants generally begin serving lunch around 12:30 or 1:00 pm. Teachers will have the option to eat dinner before or after the evening classes. Many local restaurants open for dinner at 8:00 pm. Cafes and restaurants in the mall, which is within walking distance of the center, are generally open all day.
Finances:
Teachers will be self-funded and will be responsible for handling their own finances. The local currency is the Euro.
Estimated in-country expenses:
Lodging $60.00 per person per night (based on splitting cost with another teacher)
Transportation 43.50€ 50-ride metro pass
Meals 75.00€ per week (mostly cooking in)
100.00€ per week (dining out once daily)
25.00€ per day (dining out every meal)
*Note: Some expenses are estimated in euros. Lodging prices may be higher, depending on the season. It is important to make lodging arrangements as soon as possible to ensure availability and the best pricing options.