Language Teaching Specialist

Position Summary:

A Language Teaching Specialist at the Vanderbilt University English Language Center (ELC) facilitates the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational programming to improve language-instruction outcomes for Vanderbilt University students, faculty, staff, and scholars who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). Programming responsibilities include teaching courses, facilitating workshops, conducting 1-to-1 speaking and writing consultations, and developing educational resources. 

About the Work Unit:

The ELC supports the university’s internationalization, diversity, and inclusion efforts through engaging language instruction and resource development for Vanderbilt University EAL students, faculty, staff, and scholars.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Plan and teach language classes:
• Prepare lesson plans.
• Design and gather materials.
• Structure activities.
• Offer feedback on assignments.
• Evaluate classes, student achievement, and progress.
• Prepare reports for submission to the Director.
• Maintain office hours for individualized meetings.
• Coordinate designated area of programming in collaboration with other ELC Language Teaching Specialists.
• Participate in university and ELC meetings and functions as they pertain to ELC programming.
• Develop educational resources for EAL students, faculty, staff, and scholars to engage in academic contexts and campus initiatives.
• Hold 1-to-1 speaking and writing consultations:
• Suggest consultation-session plans, materials, and activities.
• Provide feedback for academic speaking, pronunciation, and academic writing.
• Evaluate consultation-session achievement and progress.
• Prepare and submit consultation-session reports.
• Maintain professional activity.
• Perform other duties as needed by the ELC.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports functionally and administratively to Assistant Directors and Center Director.

Education and Certifications:

A Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or related field is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching a variety of English for Academics and Professionals courses at the university level is required.
• A background in graduate student and faculty professional development is preferred.
• The ability to develop educational resources – including digital resources is preferred.
• Knowledge of language-assessment procedures is required.
• Superior English-language proficiency is necessary.
• Knowledge of the scholarly literature on teaching and learning in Applied Linguistics in higher education is necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills, including ability to work cooperatively with campus colleagues as well as with culturally and linguistically diverse students, faculty, staff, and scholars is necessary.
• Familiarity with the academic mission of a research university is necessary.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Be adept at understanding the role of the ELC in supporting the mission of Vanderbilt University.
• Demonstrate a strong academic background in Applied Linguistics, TESOL or related, field and experience teaching the English language for academic purposes in higher education.
• Exhibit a great deal of flexibility, which is required to identify and support the continuously changing needs of participants/students in a competitive academic setting.
• Display strong interpersonal skills with culturally and linguistically diverse students, faculty, staff, and scholars.
• Be proficient in developing collaborative working relationships with ELC colleagues as well as with colleagues across campus.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work – regardless of title or role – is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities… we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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