Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL)

The Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL) plays a critical role in supporting NLU students by encouraging students to take an active role in their education and empowering them to become independent, lifelong learners. The primary responsibility is to tutor students in the fundamental skills of writing, grammar, reading, APA formatting, and other academic skills at the Chicago and/or Wheeling campus and online. The Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL) will focus on tutoring a diverse student body, particularly multilingual students whose first language is not English, to increase reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking competencies and outcomes related to their courses. Tutoring occurs through one-on-one appointments and in small workshops utilizing various modes, including in-person, by phone, as well as via email and video conferencing software. The Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL) will help monitor and communicate the progress of student writing and reading skills, reach out to and support at-risk students, particularly multilingual/ELL students, and accurately track student tutoring usage. The Learning Support Specialist responsibilities also include scheduled hours in Study Tables to ensure seamless access to resources for students and promoting Study Table and Learning Support offerings with faculty and other stakeholders. Finally, the Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL) will support faculty and students in writing intensive courses. The Learning Support Specialist (Writing & ELL) must tailor their tutoring support for students whose native languages and English-speaking and writing abilities are varied.

Essential Responsibilies:

• Tutor for general education and English courses in 1-on-1 and small group settings to assist with coursework, particularly as regards to writing assignments, presentations, and reading assignments. Provide students with learning strategies to develop general academic skills such as APA formatting, note-taking, study strategies, time management, and critical thinking. Provide writing support for major courses with substantial writing components, review drop-off essays and assignments and support the department’s projects. Monitor and report student progress and usage of tutoring services.
• Collaborate with faculty to support at-risk students, particularly those whose first language is not English. Conduct class visits at the beginning of each term and by request, respond to faculty alerts, and provide embedded support in online and blended courses.
• Create and present writing and English language-focused workshops/webinars to support students in their English and writing intensive classes to improve their academic skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, English, or Curriculum & Instruction and previous experience working with ELL/multilingual.
• Master’s degree and/or TESOL certification preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience teaching or tutoring in diverse modalities (hybrid/blended, online).
• 1-3 years of prior teaching or tutoring experience in writing and knowledge of writing pedagogy and instructional practice, particularly in writing and reading for multilingual/ELL students.
• Experience with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities; specific knowledge of the needs of multilingual, ELL, and multidialectal students.
• Experience working with English Language Learners/multilingual students required.
• Familiarity with all things writing and English related, including grammar, proper essay formatting and outline structures.
• Experience tutoring or teaching writing related skills and content at the undergraduate, graduate and/or doctoral levels, along with knowledge of APA style writing and formatting.