English Teaching Fellow

Host Organization: American University of Central Asia - New Generation Academy (English Teaching)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Focus Area: Education
Number of Fellows: 1
Length of Fellowship: One Year

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1993, New Generation Academy (NGA) is a comprehensive academic preparatory program at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The NGA program offers an intensive one-year or one-semester program that aims at preparing its graduates for higher education. The program seeks to fill the gaps in the public school system to help high school graduates enter a university of their choice. Participants complete a rigorous program in English language and College Mathematics, as well as in the Russian language. All courses are oriented towards developing critical and analytical thinking, academic writing skills, and enhancing the leadership potential of students. PiA has sent Fellows to AUCA since 2017 to teach the Academy’s English and math curriculum. To learn more about AUCA, visit their website here. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

The NGA English Language Fellow is a full-time teaching position within the NGA, American University of Central Asia's preparatory program. The Fellow will teach 24 credit hours of English courses per semester (10 hours per week of actual teaching, 10 hours of preparation, and office hours) for a total of 48 credit hours per academic year. The Fellow will develop and use level lesson plans in order to support what students are learning in their regular English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and Academic Research and Writing classes, as well as TEFL test preparation.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Fellow will:

• Identify gaps in student understanding and work with students on the mastery of their English language knowledge.

• Work with students to set and track progress toward short-term and long-term goals.

• Create a culture of high academic and behavioral expectations for all students.

• Provide a minimum of 2-4 office hours per week

• Coach or provide support for one significant extracurricular student club per year (e.g., Reading or English Talking Club for NGA students)

• Plan daily and weekly lessons based on materials provided by the NGA peers and administration.

• Prepare instructional activities (using textbooks and additional resources) aligned to the needs of each student.

• Collaborate with appropriate classroom teachers and NGA Director in teaching EAP and TOEFL Test Preparation classes, and the development of new courses if needed.

• Modify instruction and related lesson plans based on student assessment results (quizzes, interim assessments/midterms, and final exams).

• Proactively communicate with the NGA Director, and peer teachers, when there is a challenge with a particular student.

• Actively participate in professional development activities provided by AUCA/NGA, necessary to successfully carry out job-related duties.

• Regularly meet with the NGA Director in order to receive coaching and feedback.

• Support and follow AUCA rules and policies.

• At the end of each semester, there will be student evaluations and peer observations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

This opportunity will provide the candidate with the necessary training, skills, and teaching experience, as well as the extensive mentorship and support, they need to succeed as educators.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND OR INTERESTS THAT ARE DESIRED/REQUIRED FOR THE FELLOWSHIP POSITION: 

Minimum a BA degree in the target (or closely related) field: Humanities, Arts, etc.

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• A demonstrated interest in teaching and/or working with young people.

• A significant co-curricular commitment or interest (e.g. Reading Club for NGA students).

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Knowledge of the local languages (Russian, Kyrgyz) is preferred but not required.

• Prior experience abroad is strongly desired.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS: 

Strong organization, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.

• A passion for teaching and their discipline.

• Punctuality and time management skills.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• A living allowance of USD $300 (net) or an opportunity to reside in the AUCA Dormitory

• Visa and work permit support will be provided and paid by AUCA

• Fellows can take a 3-credit AUCA course per semester free of charge (subject to availability of seats)

• Fellows can take a 6-credit NGA "Russian Language for Foreigners" course per semester free of charge