Associate in English as a Second Language/Lecturer in English as a Second Language, American Language Program

The School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Columbia University seeks to fill the position of Associate in English as a Second Language or Lecturer in English as a Second Language, to serve as faculty in SPS’s American Language Program (ALP) beginning July 1, 2025. This is a full-time appointment with multi-year renewal contingent on successful regular review. 

The Program seeks an individual with a strong portfolio of teaching experience, professional engagement and academic study in the field of second language acquisition and its application to L2 teaching, learning and assessment. Applicants must possess demonstrated excellence in university-based English for Academic Purposes with expertise in one or more of these areas: thematic-based materials development, course design, assessment, teaching writing, pronunciation, and English for specific purposes.

Teaching duties may include both intensive and part-time courses. Intensive program classes can be from level 2 (CEFR A2) to level 9 (CEFR C2). Part-time courses may be credit or non-credit, from ALP level 6 (CEFR B2) upwards, and can include University registrants drawn from undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Active participation in curriculum design, assessment, and program development is required. The candidate must be capable of contributing to the program’s academic mission, have a demonstrated track record of collaboration, and show the potential for vision and direction that will be required for all aspects of the position. 

In addition to a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, applicants must also demonstrate familiarity with current research in Second Language Acquisition. 

Candidates at the rank of Associate in Discipline are expected to have some training in language pedagogy and teaching experience.

Candidates at the rank of Lecturer in Discipline are expected to have teaching experience, documented evidence of pedagogical excellence, and evidence of professional growth and activity in the given field.

The American Language Program (ALP), founded in 1912, is one of the oldest programs in English as a second language in the United States. Its mission is to provide rigorous English language education that supports the academic, professional and personal goals of our student community while promoting critical thinking and intercultural awareness. The ALP fosters the internationalization of Columbia by offering a carefully integrated sequence of courses to those who wish to improve their command of English, including full-time language students, and matriculated undergraduate and graduate students at Columbia University.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in TESOL or Applied Linguistics
• Two years’ experience teaching academic English as a second language in a university setting
• Demonstrated ability to develop outcomes-oriented L2 curricula
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Experience teaching oral and written English to students at CEFR A2 to C2 proficiency levels
• Demonstrated competence in educational technology

Preferred Qualifications:

• EdD or PhD in TESOL or Applied Linguistics
• International teaching and/or professional experience
• Active participation in the field of TESOL through conference presentations, publications, and professional organizations
• Familiarity with the standards and processes of accreditation by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The faculty search committee will review applications on a rolling basis starting in November 2024.

All applications must be made through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system. Applications should include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Samples of original teaching materials
• 3 confidential letters of recommendation (Submit names and contact information of references via the online application system. This will automatically prompt references to upload letters directly to the system.)
• Student Evaluations
• Publication(s) (optional)

Note: This is an in-person teaching position. 

Please direct questions about the application process to Jamie Douglas, Senior Director of Faculty Recruitment, at [email protected].

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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