At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach ESOL classes to help learners improve their English skills for daily life.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to community education.
- Benefits: Earn £25.29 per hour with flexible teaching hours and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by empowering them through language.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching or tutoring, especially in ESOL, is preferred.
We are seeking professional and dedicated ESOL Tutors to join our tertiary staffing pool and deliver high-quality teaching in our community-based adult ESOL classes. We offer classes at levels from Absolute Beginner (including ESOL Literacies) to Upper Intermediate, with a growing number of our learners having little experience of formal education. All our ESOL courses are geared towards helping learners to gain the language they need to help them in their daily lives in Scotland, whatever their starting point.
Tutors are encouraged to use a learner-centred, social practice approach. Each session is 2.5 hours – this covers 2 hours of teaching/contact time and 30 minutes of preparation and administration. While we offer a small number of classes online, most of our teaching takes place in person at various locations throughout the city. For this reason, tutors must be able and willing to travel to venues outside the City Centre, such as South Queensferry, West Pilton, Moredun, Craigmillar, Granton, Leith, Oxgangs, and Wester Hailes. Being flexible and ready to travel ensures that we can reach learners where they are and provide the support they need in their local communities.
Classes are delivered Monday to Friday, mornings, afternoons and evenings. We also deliver some classes on Saturdays. We anticipate that the interviews for these posts will be held at Waverley Court (EH8 8BG) towards the end of June 2026 with a view to staff joining the pool for September 2026 classes.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre‑employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutors employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Join a dynamic and inclusive team as an ESOL Tutor, where your passion for teaching can make a real difference in the lives of learners across Edinburgh. We offer flexible working hours, a supportive work culture that values respect and integrity, and opportunities for professional growth within our community-focused organisation. With classes held in various local venues, you will have the chance to engage with diverse groups and contribute to their language development in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutors
✨Tap into Local Learning Communities
Get active in local continuing education groups and community centres where adult learners gather. Networking at workshops or meetups can lead to freelance opportunities like teaching classes or offering tutoring services. Don't underestimate the power of a chat over coffee!
✨Build an Engaging Portfolio
Create a public portfolio showcasing your skills and courses you can offer. Use platforms like WordPress or even Instagram to share testimonials and highlight your teaching style. This visibility can help attract clients who are looking for freelance educators.
✨Leverage Online Marketplaces
Sign up for freelance teaching platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, where you can create and sell courses. These platforms have a massive reach and can bring in learners who are eager for adult education, providing you with steady gig opportunities.
✨Collaborate with Educational Institutions
Reach out to local colleges and universities offering continuing education programs. They often look for freelance educators to teach specialised courses. Building relationships with faculty can lead to reliable freelance gig referrals, keeping your schedule full!
We think you need these skills to ace ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tutors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Teaching Experience:When applying for a freelance role in adult continuing education, make sure to highlight any relevant teaching or training experience you've got. Share specific examples of courses you've led or educational programmes you've developed; it's a great way to show how you can engage adult learners!
Prepare a Winning Portfolio:Your portfolio should reflect your best work in adult education. This could include lesson plans, course outlines, or samples of educational materials you've created. Ensure it’s well-organised to grab the attention of those at The City of Edinburgh Council — we like to see how your past work can add value!
Mention Any Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications in adult education or related fields, flaunt those! Credentials can really enhance your application and show that you're serious about the role. Make sure they’re included prominently on your CV to catch the eye of the hiring team.
Tailor Your Application for Flexibility:As a freelancer, potential clients are interested in your availability and flexibility. In your cover letter, mention your preferred working hours or how you can adjust your schedule to meet learners’ needs. It’s all about showing that you're open and adaptable — that’s what we love to see!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
As a freelance educator in the adult continuing education field, one of our best bets is to demonstrate our teaching style during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you’ve used or plan to use, and maybe even share a mini-lesson or training activity. This gives your potential client a taste of how engaging and effective you can be with adult learners.
✨Come Armed with a Portfolio
Since we're looking at freelance gigs, a solid portfolio can really set us apart. Include samples of lesson plans, instructional materials, and feedback from previous students. If you’ve worked with diverse groups, make sure to highlight this to showcase your versatility in teaching. It’s about proving you’ve got the chops!
✨Talk About Real-World Applications
In adult continuing education, we need to connect learning to real-world applications. Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences and expertise relate to current industry practices. This shows potential clients that you’re not just a teacher, but a mentor who understands the practicalities of adult learning in today's fast-paced environment.
✨Set Clear Expectations
Since freelancing is all about agreements, be ready to discuss your rates and what they include. Approach this topic with confidence, making sure to explain how your skills justify your pricing. Also, outline how you plan to measure success in your tutoring or training sessions — it reassures clients they'll be getting value for their investment.
