Position Title: Multilingual/English Learner Academic Specialist
Date: 15 July 2014
Department: Academic Support Center
Accountable To: Director of the Academic Support Center
Position Term: 10 months; 30 hours per week
Start Date: 15 October 2014
Primary Objective of Position:
The Multilingual/English Learner Academic Specialist is responsible for helping multilingual (MLL) and English Learner (EL) students fulfill the necessary academic requirements to graduate in four years, and must demonstrate a commitment to helping students excel beyond minimum academic expectations. In doing so, the MLL/EL Academic Specialist works to improve retention rates for multilingual students at Gustavus.
Major Areas of Accountability:
The MLL/EL Academic Specialist will hold sufficient office hours (approximately 25 hours) during both days and evenings to provide multilingual students with direct tutoring. The Academic Specialist will also be prepared to meet with students by appointment outside of regularly scheduled office hours during mid-term and final exam preparation periods. While most tutoring will focus on issues related to writing, reading, speaking, and organizational strategies, the Academic Specialist should be prepared to help students comprehend material from a wide-range of disciplines and to assist students with test preparation and class presentations. The Academic Specialist will also assist students in preparing for academic advising and in development of their plans of study.
In addition to providing students with direct support, the MLL/EL Academic Specialist will also work with members of the faculty to devise and implement individual academic adjustments (e.g., extra time for exams, extensions on essays) for MLL/EL students. In this capacity, the Academic Specialist also serves as a point person for faculty and staff as they attempt to identify and assist students struggling due to MLL/EL issues. Furthermore, the Academic Specialist will improve awareness of MLL/EL-related issues through participating in faculty development efforts (Teachers Talking, FTS training, etc.).
The MLL/EL Academic Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing the week-long Summer Institute for Academic Success (SIAS) for incoming multilingual students. This program requires outreach to identify students and collaboration with faculty, the Office of Multicultural Programs and Students/Diversity Center, the Center for International and Intercultural Education, and the Admission Office.
Qualifications:
The MLL/EL Academic Specialist position requires a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (e.g. English, Education, Communication, International Studies) and expertise in providing academic support including tutoring and teaching writing, and reading and/or speaking in cross-cultural contexts.
Special Position Requirements:
Training for the academic advising responsibilities will be provided, and no prior advising experience is required.
Preferences:
None
Applications must include:
Resume/CV
Cover letter
Contact information for 3 professional references
A statement regarding your philosophy of providing academic support to MLL/EL students at a liberal arts college
Transcripts (photocopies acceptable)
Timeline:
For full consideration, submit application by 31 August 2014
Application review will begin on 25 August 2014 and will continue until the position is filled
Start date is 15 October 2014