Adjunct Specialist, IELTS Preparation

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.

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 Campus. In addition, students participate in online study and academic refresher weekends during the following academic year.

Program Goals

University Preperation

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 Preperation

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 Preperation

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

Leadership and Public Speaking

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 adjunct specialist will be responsible for overseeing all academic aspects of the IELTS Test Preparation course, including lesson planning, instruction, grading, providing feedback, and holding office hours for one section of Summer Academy students: those in their first summer (Summer I. The course will involve approximately 15 contact hours, with exact hours determined during the hiring process.

In addition to academic duties, the specialist will support program-related activities throughout the appointment. The specialist is expected to actively contribute to enriching the educational experience of the students and to play a key role in helping the program achieve its goals.

Length of Appointment

• Summer Session: Five weeks from July 4 to August 6, 2027.

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

Principal Responsibilities

• Teach the IELTS Preparation course to one section - the Class of 2028 (Summer I) in Abu Dhabi

• Work within the existing IELTS Preparation curriculum, which is focused on the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills that form the foundation of the English Language Proficiency skills required for admission to top-tier English-language universities. Areas of study include: establishing and reinforcing core academic concepts and skills necessary for success on the IELTS examinations, diagnostic and practice examinations, and strategies and techniques to master the different components of the examination

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

• Work closely with the other IELTS Preparation specialists to ensure that all sections receive the same material delivered with a similar high-quality approach.

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

• Provide students with ongoing and regular feedback (oral and written) throughout the course of the 5 weeks.

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

• Before the end of the summer program, specialists are expected to submit extensive and detailed written feedback on each student to be used in crafting letters of recommendation for their college applications.

• 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

https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/

NYU 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. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

• The candidate is a UAE citizen or a UAE residence visa holder.

• Eligible for an NOC letter from the current employer/sponsor (if applicable) permitting the candidate to teach/work at NYUAD.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• At least five years of experience teaching IELTS preparation courses, developing curricula, and mentoring and supporting students to achieve their target scores

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in English, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, TEFL, ESL, or a related subject

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

Preferred Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• Advanced degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, TEFL, ESL, or related subject

• High-school or college-level experience teaching in English

Required Work and Related Experience

• 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

Applicants must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae in PDF format. For instructions and information on how to apply, please visit our website at https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/academic-support.html. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. For more information about the program, please visit: www.nyuad.nyu.edu/summer.academy.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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