Japanese Teaching Assistant

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Japanese Teaching Assistant position. The Japanese Teaching Assistant position is 35 hours per week for the academic year, and 15 hours per week for 10 weeks during the summer. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $27 - $31/hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The Japanese Teaching Assistant will support faculty members in the delivery of undergraduate courses by assisting with instruction, grading, student engagement, and administrative tasks.

Students who take Japanese courses meet for more than regular class hours per week because it takes longer for them to learn Japanese compared to European languages. Each Japanese language instructor teaches three courses per semester, so they need assistance for their courses, especially for speaking. We offer multiple levels of Japanese language courses and the assistant helps with courses of all levels.

The Japanese language program is involved with many Japan-related events per year. Because of the historical relation between Amherst and Doshisha University, we often have visitors from Doshisha and other parts of Japan. The assistant is occasionally asked to help with these events as well. The department also manages the Japanese garden (B-level of Webster); we hire one or two students to regularly clean the garden. The assistant is occasionally asked to supervise these students. The department also manages the on-campus apartment for the Doshisha faculty. The assistant may be asked to help with visitors from Doshisha, especially when they do not speak English.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Instructional Support

-Assist the lead instructor with classroom activities, including facilitating discussions, leading study groups, or hosting review sessions.

-Provide additional support to students who need help understanding course material.

Student Engagement

-Hold regular office hours to provide additional support and guidance to students outside of scheduled class time.

-Facilitate communication between the students and the lead instructor.

Course Administration

-Manage course-related materials on learning management systems by uploading class materials and assignments

-Help organize and maintain student records and attendance logs.

-Assist with the preparation and distribution of course materials and resources.

Qualifications:

Required

-Bachelor's Degree; relevant field (education; linguistics; Japanese).

-1 to 3 years of related experience.

-An equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience; native or near-native Japanese language proficiency.

-Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

-Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively.

-Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

-Proficiency in using learning management systems (LMS) and other educational technologies.

-Ability to work with diverse groups of students and adjust teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles.

-Successful completion of required reference and background checks.

-An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.

Preferred

-Previous experience in teaching, tutoring, or mentoring.

-Native or near-native Japanese language proficiency.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.