ESL / EFL Lead Instructor & Curriculum Developer

Position overview

Salary range :

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70, 000.

"Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date : November 4, 2025

Next review date : Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Jan 30, 2026 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION :

The Lead Instructor & Curriculum Developer role reflects our commitment to academic excellence and strategic growth. This position will serve as a key partner in instruction and curriculum development, working closely with the director and assistant director to ensure academic quality and continuous improvement. The Lead Instructor will be closely involved in the hiring and training process for new instructors and support all instructors in optimizing their teaching techniques as needed by our international students. Their main role is to serve as lead instructor for designated courses and programs, as well as contribute to strategic, academic initiatives aligned with our goals and current educational trends.

Specific responsibilities associated with this position are :

Teaching and Preparation (70%)

Teaches courses for a wide range of language skills including but not limited to reading comprehension, writing, grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, American culture, and pronunciation from elementary to advanced levels of proficiency. Uses a wide variety of current teaching methodologies, styles, and techniques and employs a wide range of instructional media, e-learning, and educational technology to enhance the quality of instruction. Works with students with different learning styles, cultures, and language proficiencies and assesses and adapts appropriate materials to meet student needs. Identifies and responds to student problems in class and advises students effectively regarding academic goals and plans. Teaches in a wide variety of ESL and related programs, in a variety of settings. Has knowledge of linguistics, foreign language education, education, TESOL, international education or related fields.

Curriculum Development and Academic Standards (20%)

Develops new courses and / or curriculum for a wide range of language skills in alignment with divisional goals and initiatives. Develops course syllabi and special purpose classes in conjunction with content experts, as assigned. Prepares course materials to be submitted for approval of academic credit and selects appropriate review processes for a variety of courses, as assigned. Assists with interviewing, recruiting, and mentoring new teachers. Attends all instructor and unit meetings, as well as student events. Develops and leads professional development workshops for instructors. Keeps abreast of current technologies, evaluation tools, and performance standards.

Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

Continue professional growth through scholarly activity in an appropriate discipline (e.g., through teaching, research, publications, leadership in professional or academic associations) and / or membership in related professional, community, and governmental organizations. Participation in professional development activities that enhance effectiveness and teaching and / or administrative abilities.

University and Public Service (5%)

Substantive contributions as leader or participant on departmental and campus committees and projects. External recognition as a professional ESL instructor through seminar and workshop leadership, consultant work, advisory group participation, publications or service to professional groups.

Appointment :

This is a full-time academic term appointment with an initial 1-year appointment, eligible for continued reappointment. The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits :

UC Davis provides 14 paid holidays, 24 days accrued vacation and 12 days accrued sick leave. Position eligible for full benefits / retirement package. For more information about our extensive benefits please visit http : / / ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu / compensation-and-benefits / index.html . To learn more about UC Davis and our local communities please visit : https : / / frontdoor.ucdavis.edu / .

Work Modality :

This position has a fully onsite. The work location is at the International Center located in Davis, California.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, English, or a closely related field.

Minimum 3 years of experience teaching ESL / EFL to adult learners in higher education, continuing education, or intensive English programs.

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

Experience teaching a wide range of English language and academic skills in EFL / ESL settings.

Experience providing instruction to students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Experience using educational technology and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, etc.) to deliver instruction.

Experience developing instructional materials / curricula and ability to adapt materials and instructional strategies for different proficiency levels and learning needs.

Skill to teach in various program formats (in-person, hybrid, online synchronous / asynchronous).

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Experience mentoring or training other instructors.

Experience in curriculum alignment with CEFR, ACTFL, or other proficiency-based frameworks.

Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to collaborate with administrative and academic staff.

Preferred qualifications

(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Experience working in international programs or supporting international student success.

Demonstrated success in leading professional development for instructors.

Experience with program evaluation and continuous improvement processes in an academic setting.

Prior experience in contributing to strategic academic initiatives.

Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Experience designing and delivering online instruction using instructional design principles.

Knowledge of accreditation or quality assurance standards related to ESL programs

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Cover Letter (Optional)

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Teaching Work Sample - Please provide one sample of a Curriculum or Syllabus you have drafted.

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form .

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07401

Help contact : dlprigge@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http : / / breathefree.ucdavis.edu / ).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan : "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement , and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400 .

UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) . There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings . UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA