Academic Development Specialist

The English Language Institute (ELI) is one of the nation’s premier intensive English programs and is central to the University of Delaware’s internationalization efforts.  Among the programs it manages are the Intensive English Program, Academic Transitions (undergraduate conditional admissions), Accelerate-UD, Foundation Year Program (sponsored students), Graduate Conditional Admissions and Pathways Programs, International Teaching Assistant Training Program, Evening Community Program, short-term programs for foreign universities, corporate ESL tutoring, sponsored teacher-training programs, and courses for joint-degree programs with foreign universities. The ELI also provides administration and teaching for the School of Education’s MA TESL program.  

In addition to its regularly scheduled courses, the ELI offers many forms of student learning support (e.g., student support services, mentoring, and cohort instruction   In addition, each year the ELI hosts many sponsored programs of varying lengths and complexity requiring coordination by individuals with advanced ESL training and degrees. 

Under the general direction of the Director or Associate Director, the Academic Development Specialist will collaborate closely with full time ELI faculty with the goal of delivering world-class ESL development and acquisition within a communicative framework. The Academic Development Specialist has three main responsibilities: (1) provide administrative support through special program coordination, assessment, or new student intake; (2) participate in the planning, review, and implementation of ESL laboratory and non-credit classroom instruction within the parameters of curricula; and (3) design and deliver student learning support activities through our Cohort and remediation programs. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In accordance with the approved program curriculum and syllabi implement instruction for one to two non-credit ESL courses per session (20% of effort for one class; 40% for two classes).
• Participate in the planning of lessons, assessment of student learning and progress, maintaining student records, holding office hours, student intake/orientation, and student advisement (20% of effort for one class; 40% for two classes)
• Design and deliver student learning support as assigned, providing advising and coaching, supervising student mentors, organizing and accompanying students on field trips, providing performance data input and assessment, providing instructional activities, and attending planning meetings (10% to 20% of effort). 
• Coordinate programs as assigned, providing administration, supervising staff, designing content, ensuring quality, managing data, liaising with ELI, University, and external personnel (10% to 20% of effort).
• Maintain knowledge of current research literature in ESL.
• Assign duties to and supervise graduate student teaching assistants and undergraduate student peer tutors.
• Participate in occasional research projects directed by University of Delaware ELI faculty on student learning.
• Attend and contribute effectively to the ELI staff and faculty meetings, workshops, and professional development sessions.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language or Applied Linguistics with graduate course work in TESL methodology, second language acquisition, English structure, assessment, and language syllabus design--with two  years’ related TESL experience
• Expertise in one of the following areas: English for Academic Purposes, English for Business ESL Purposes, ESL Literacy, or ESL for beginner or intermediate proficiency levels, English for STEM Purposes, ESL Technology, or Teacher Training.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for English Language Learners
• Experience in material development
• Strong organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, People Soft, ESL software (preferred)

The English Language Institute (ELI)  is an academic unit within the humanities portfolio of the College Arts and Sciences.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exceptional educational experiences including integrated instruction, research, and public engagement.   The College’s 600 faculty members emphasize the enduring value of an arts and science education and share a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression. The College has departments in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and features outstanding research and teaching facilities. 

The University of Delaware is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education, combining tradition and innovation. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the experience of its employees and in supporting its academic mission.  We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds, and we strongly encourage applications from educators from under-represented groups. UD provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.