Adjunct Teaching Assistant Critical Thinking and Writing and IELTS Test Preparation

Job description

Program Overview

The NYU Abu Dhabi Summer Academy is an 18-month university preparation program designed to enhance the academic profiles of highly motivated Emirati high school students.

The program features intensive instruction in Leadership and Public Speaking, Critical Thinking and Writing, Mathematical Reasoning for the Sciences, College Readiness and Success, and IELTS Preparation over the course of two summers and an intervening academic year.

Following a competitive admissions process, up to 90 program participants are selected each year as recipients of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarships for Outstanding High School Students, which enables them to attend the Summer Academy.

In this mixed-gender program, students are exposed to a rich cultural and rigorous academic program, which enhances their ability to gain admission to and perform well at top-tier English-language universities.

The program begins during the summer following the 10th year of high school and continues for the following 18 months, with two intensive summer sessions of study in Abu Dhabi at the NYUAD, in addition to students participating in online study and academic refresher weekends during the following academic year.

Program Goals

University Preparation

Students gain the academic, cultural, and social skills necessary for success at top-tier universities.

Summer Academy graduates have attended Yale, NYU New York, NYU Abu Dhabi, Princeton, United Arab Emirates University, The London School of Economics, George Washington University, King's College London, The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and many others.

Academic Preparation

We introduce students to accelerated study of mathematics, critical thinking and writing, the humanities, and to the value of a liberal arts education.

Cultural Awareness

Students develop their understanding of the social and cultural norms of universities and build useful intercultural competencies for success in university.

Test Preparation

We prepare students to excel on the standardized tests necessary for university entry.

Leadership and Public Speaking Skills

With Leadership and Public Speaking as a required course in the Summer Academy, our program spurs confidence, personal growth, maturity, and leadership skills.

Social Networking

We bring together top students from across the UAE, who form a supportive and challenging social network among themselves and with Summer Academy alumni, who have gone on to university study, graduate school, professions, and leadership careers.

Job Summary

The Teaching Assistant will support course delivery for the Critical Thinking and Writing (CTW) and IELTS courses for up to two sections of Summer Academy students, students in their first summer of the program and students in their second summer of the program (Summer I and Summer II).

The Teaching Assistant will also support programmatic activities throughout the length of the appointment (including weekends) and participate in selection activities and graduation events as needed.

Length of Appointment

• Summer Session: Five weeks from approximately July 7 - August 8, 2025

• Approximately two meetings prior to the summer session's start for orientation activities

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the courses CTW and IELTS Test for two sections, the Classes of 2025 (Summer II) and 2026 (Summer I) in Abu Dhabi

• Under the supervision of the CTW and IELTS instructor(s), meet students individually or in small groups during study halls, meals, breaks, or in the evenings to assist with reviewing classroom instruction, reading, writing, and homework assignments

• Attend any pre-program meetings and/or training sessions

• Assist the instructor(s) in class with group work and with judging presentations as necessary

• Be available to individual students and groups in need of assistance, as well as to instructors undertaking cross-curricular or collaborative projects

• Provide students with ongoing and regular feedback (oral and written) during the course

• Participate in faculty meetings by providing detailed feedback on student progress

• Report any instances of student misconduct, academic performance concerns, or health issues to the Summer Academy administration

• Contribute to the overall collegial atmosphere of the Summer Academy

• Attend and provide assistance as needed with co-curricular events and activities throughout the summer session, which will entail leading small groups of students on excursions and trips or supporting the operations of the program as needed

• Oversee and support students during assigned day trips, extracurricular activities, and events, ensuring a safe and engaging environment that promotes learning and development

About NYU Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university.

Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region.

NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship.

Qualifications

Qualifications must support the essential functions and serve as the primary criteria for selecting candidates.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• Bachelor's degree in English or a related subject

• Availability to teach in Abu Dhabi during the dates listed above

• Ability to provide some online instruction during the dates listed above if necessary

Preferred Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in English or related subject

• High school or college-level experience teaching in English

Required Work and Related Experience

• Demonstrated experience in tutoring English or related subjects

• Demonstrated interest in cross-cultural education and enthusiasm for teaching

• Experience supervising high school students in a co-curricular setting (i.e. school or after-school program)

• Availability to assist with the planning of the program prior to the start of classes

Preferred Work and Related Experience

• Work or internship experience teaching English as an additional language

• Familiarity with online and face-to-face instruction

Required Skill Profession

Other