Aviation English Language Instructor

Required qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in TESOL/TESL, English, linguistics, education, aviation or a related field. ESL credential: A recognized ESL teaching qualification, such as a TESOL/TEFL/TESL certificate (minimum 120 hours), CELTA, or a state ESL endorsement. A master's degree in TESOL may substitute.

Aviation background: At least 3 years of aviation experience in one or more of these roles: military or civilian pilot, flight instructor, navigator or aircrew member, air traffic controller, or aircraft maintenance technician. Teaching experience: At least 1 year teaching English to adult non-native speakers, or teaching technical aviation subjects to adult learners.

Experience teaching live online classes is strongly preferred. Language: Native or near-native English proficiency, with clear standard pronunciation and strong command of ICAO standard phraseology. Eligibility: U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and keep a [Secret] security clearance, if required by the organization.

Preferred qualifications

Master's degree in TESOL, applied linguistics or education. Current or former FAA pilot certificate (commercial or ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), FAA Air Traffic Control certificate, or FAA A&P mechanic certificate; or equivalent military rating. Experience as an ICAO English language proficiency rater or examiner, or training in ICAO Doc 9835 rating.

Prior instruction of international military students (e.g., at DLIELC, IAAFA or a security-cooperation training program). Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish, Arabic, French or Portuguese. Experience with online language teaching, learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) or desktop flight-simulation tools used in virtual lessons.

Knowledge, skills and abilities Knowledge of: Second-language acquisition theory and communicative, task-based ESL teaching methods. English grammar, phonetics and pronunciation, and how learners' first languages affect them. Aircraft systems, aerodynamics, flight operations, meteorology, navigation and aviation safety culture.

ICAO standard phraseology, FAA/ICAO radiotelephony procedures and the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements. Language testing and rating principles, including reliability and consistent scoring. Skill in: Explaining technical aviation concepts in simple, graded English. Planning lessons, managing a classroom and keeping adult learners engaged.

Building scenario-based exercises that mirror real cockpit and ATC communication. Teaching online: running video classes, breakout rooms, shared screens and digital whiteboards, and keeping remote learners engaged.