PositionDetails
Title Teaching Assistant in Arabic (Part-Time)
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
Position DescriptionThe Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC) at Harvard University is seeking a part-time Teaching Assistant in Arabic. The appointment will begin on August 9, 2026, and continue through January 3, 2027. The instructor will support (a) course(s) in Arabic under the supervision of the Director of Modern Language Programs (DLP) and in coordination with full-time faculty in that language.
ResponsibilitiesThe Teaching Assistant will be expected to:
- Participate in training sessions as required
- Teach one class session per week
- Promptly evaluate assignments including homework and other student work
- Integrate both standard and colloquial varieties of Arabic in teaching
- Meet with students each week for office hours
- Coordinate with instructors on a weekly basis and with the DLP regularly throughout the semester
- Provide individualized support to students, including accommodations for students who require it
- Incorporate best practices in teaching, including the flipped classroom, communicative teaching, and learner-centered teaching
- Incorporate cultural content into lessons
- Participate in program events and extracurricular language learning opportunities
Teaching Assistants will receive mentorship in instructional and administrative matters from NELC faculty. All Teaching Assistants in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences must attend a mandatory 2-hour TF/TA training offered by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning during Fall Teaching Week (August 25-29, 2025).
Time CommitmentApproximately seven hours per week per section, including the responsibilities listed above. Teaching assistants remain appointed until after the end of the semester and the final exam period.
Appointment TermFall Term: August 10, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Classes run: September 2 - December 2
Final exams: Through December 18, 2026
Appointments may be renewed, subject to enrollment, performance, and funding availability. Individuals may hold Teaching Assistant positions at Harvard University for a maximum of four years.
CompensationSalary is determined by the Office of Undergraduate Education, based on:
- Number of sections taught
- Educational background
- College-level teaching experience
- Teaching assistants may be eligible for Harvard benefits
Additional Information- All instruction is expected to take place in person on the Cambridge campus
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
- All applicants are welcome; Harvard affiliation is not required
Basic Qualifications• A bachelor's or equivalent degree
• Native or near-native fluency in Arabic
• Experience teaching Arabic, preferably at a US university or college
• Experience with communicative and learner-centered teaching methods
• Familiarity with Canvas (or similar learning management system)
Additional Qualifications• Experience teaching integrated Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic as well as Levantine and/or Egyptian dialect) is desirable
Special InstructionsInterested candidates should submit to the job portal at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/
1. A cover letter, including a description of teaching experience and philosophy
2. A Curriculum Vitae
3. Name and contact information of a referee, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate's application has been submitted. One letter of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when it has been received.
Contact InformationNELC Language Programs Administrator
6 Divinity Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email NELC-languages@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range$5,640-$6,574 per standard course section.
Minimum Number of References Required 1
Maximum Number of References Allowed 3
KeywordsArabic