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Adjunct Instructor, English as a Second Language (ESL)

Joliet Junior College · Joliet, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your experience teaching English as a Second Language to adults.

What they are checking: Whether they have taught adult learners, who need different approaches than children.

How do you build a classroom where adults feel safe making mistakes in a new language?

What they are checking: Whether they create the trust that adult learners need to practice speaking.

Tell me about a time you taught someone who didn't share a common language with you.

What they are checking: Whether they can use visuals, gestures and patience to communicate across language barriers.

What would you do

Your class includes students who can't yet read in their first language alongside students with college degrees from home. How do you teach that room?

What they are checking: Whether they can differentiate for very different literacy levels in one adult ESL class.

A student stops coming to class for two weeks. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they reach out, since adult learners often miss class due to work, family or transportation, not lack of interest.

A student shares that they're struggling with housing or a legal issue. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they know to connect students with resources while staying within their role as a teacher.

About the work

How would you teach a lesson on speaking with a doctor's office or filling out a job application?

What they are checking: Whether they build lessons around real-life tasks adult learners need right away.

Adult education programs like the Department of Adult Education and Literacy often track progress with standardized tests. How do you prepare students without just teaching to the test?

What they are checking: Whether they understand assessment requirements in adult education while still teaching real language skills.

How do you teach pronunciation without embarrassing students in front of others?

What they are checking: Whether they correct with care so students keep trying instead of shutting down.

How do you keep attendance and progress records accurate for a grant-funded program?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that adult education funding often depends on careful reporting.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Joliet Junior College.

Position Title: Adjunct Instructor, English as a Second Language (ESL) Job Description: POSITION TITLE: Adjunct Instructor, English as a Second Language (ESL) STATUS: Part time DEPARTMENT: Department of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Exempt UNION: Adjunct Faculty-JUAC, IEA-NEA REPORTS TO: Director, Department of Adult Education and Literacy PLACEMENT: Placement on salary schedule is dependent on qualifications HIRING RANGE: Hiring Rate Per Contact Hour: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027: $1161.00 if candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and $1220.00 if candidate holds a Ph.D., Ed.D, or J.D. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff. POSITION SUMMARY An adjunct community college instructor is an instructor hired for one semester to teach one or more courses for which he/she is qualified. The adjunct instructor reports to the appropriate Instructional Coordinator and/or Director, and provides quality instruction for the assigned courses. The instructor works with full-time staff in assessing students and following all course guidelines. Willingness to teach at other campus sites is required. Adjunct instructors may submit preferences for locations ad loads. Position is subject to all terms and provisions of the Joliet Junior College adjunct faculty contract. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Provide direct and explicit instruction to students in assigned subject area(s) 2. Monitor student progress, report outcomes, and refer students for additional assessments and/or support services 3. Participate in annual student and chair/coordinator evaluations 4. Comply with departmental curriculum, grading standards, attendance policies, textbook choices, assessments, and other established processes. 5. Attend classes regularly; return college reports, credentials, and other requested documentation in a timely manner; effectively communicate with appropriate staff and director. 6. Actively retain students through goal attainment 7. Comply with all legal and ethical obligations, including FERPA, ADA, and other regulatory legislations. Communicate discrepancies to appropriate officials. 8. Commit to furthering the mission, goals, and core values of the college and the department at all times 9. Meet other contractual obligations as spelled out in the Joliet Junior College adjunct faculty contract and/or by the department MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education or closely related field. 2. Three (3) years of teaching experience in adult education (ABE, GED, ESL) and/or developmental college reading, writing, and/or math. Certification, certificates, endorsements and related experience will be considered. 3. Experience and/or expertise in instructional/classroom technology. 4. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning. 5. Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English. 6. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence. 7. Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation and quality. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Master’s Degree in Education, Adult Education, or closely related field 2. Elementary, Middle School, High School Teacher Certification and/or ESL/Bilingual education endorsement 3. Experience with traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds. 4. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency. 5. Demonstrated multicultural competence. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Normal classroom physical demands. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Duties are performed indoors in the usual classroom and/or lab environment. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOUR APPLICATION: • Resume • A cover letter with your interest in being considered for the position. • Unofficial Transcripts (must be included) BENEFITS Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Part Time - Adjunct Faculty-JUAC, IEA-NEA Full Time/Part Time: Part time Union (If Applicable): Scheduled Hours: 28

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