Recruiting Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I expect to have my first class? It depends. We can’t predict when your first class will be assigned, but we will do our best to match you with the right opportunity ASAP. That said, the frequency of classes depends on several factors: your availability and flexibility, and the language(s) you teach. Sometimes we have a class right away, sometimes it takes weeks or even months.

 

• What are the next steps after the recruiter interview? Your recruiter will share your resume, experience, and availability with your dedicated language training team. They will then be in touch as new opportunities arise and/or to schedule a second, more detailed interview if time permits. Please inform your recruiter or Language Training Supervisor (LTS) of any updates to your availability, location, paperwork, visa status, additional credentials, or new teaching experience.

 

• Do I have to sign a new contract with each class? No, you complete new hire paperwork before your first class. If there is a change to your hourly rate or other personal information, please update your information with our HR team.

 

• Do you have full-time classes? Yes, we have classes that involve full-time hours (20-30 hours of instruction/week + preparation time). It's important to note that all classes, even full-time ones, have set end dates. No instructor position is indefinite/permanent.

 

• Do you have full-time positions? Occasionally, we have full-time, permanent staff positions. Please check our careers page regularly to track and apply for any openings that interest you!

 

• How much are instructors paid? All instructors are paid on an hourly basis. This rate is determined based on an instructor’s experience and the specific contract for which they are teaching. But rates start at $26/hour and increase from there based on the factors listed above.

 

• Is the rate negotiable? Instructors are welcome to approach their language training supervisors about rate discussions, but there are no guarantees of a higher rate, and we do have rate ceilings based on contract budgets.

 

• Will I receive benefits as an instructor? Health insurance? Instructor positions do not provide health insurance or paid time off.  DLS does offer a (non-matching) 401 (k).

 

• Do you pay prep time? We do pay prep time for most classes, though it is sometimes paid as a separate hourly rate and sometimes rolled up into the overall hourly rate. Your language training supervisor can clarify for you on a class-by-class basis.

 

• Do you pay for training/onboarding? No, we do not pay for training/onboarding.

 

• Do you sponsor instructor visas? We are not able to sponsor instructor visas.

 

• Do I have to be a US citizen? A few of our contracts require US citizenship. For others, a valid work permit is sufficient.

 

• Do I need a security clearance to teach? No, a security clearance is not required to teach.

 

• Are instructors 1099 or W2 employees? Instructors are paid as W2 employees.

 

• Do I have to develop my own curriculum, or will it be provided? We provide curriculum and materials, though there is room to adjust the curriculum based on students' progress.

 

• Can I use my own materials? DLS provides materials, but you are welcome to supplement with your own materials – just talk to your language training supervisor about the best way(s) to incorporate.

 

• I have a vacation planned – will I still be considered for classes? Notify your LTS of your vacation plans when offered the class, and they will determine how to manage this break in instruction.

 

• What’s the class schedule? It varies according to the student’s needs and preferences. Most classes take place during normal business hours, however. Hours per week can run from 2-4 hours up to 25-30 (+ preparation time). We will reach out to you with classes that match your availability.

 

• What platform is used for online classes? Usually Zoom, occasionally Microsoft Teams, depending on the student(s).

 

• Does DLS provide instructor training? Yes, we offer instructor training in several ways, including asynchronous materials available in our LMS and occasional synchronous workshops.

 

• Do you have a mock test for FSI/DLPT? Yes.

 

• Do instructors do their own testing? No, instructors may conduct mid-course assessments to gauge students’ progress, but they do not conduct their own End-of-Training testing.

 

• Can I teach from other countries (e.g., if staying abroad during the summer)? This depends on the contract, so please talk to your language training supervisor when planning overseas travel.

 

• Do you have classes in other parts of the country? We are sometimes tasked with providing instruction at client sites across the country, though most of our in-person instruction is conducted at one of our schools in the Washington, DC, area.

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