English Speaking Rater

Duties and Responsibilities

Training & Calibration: Attend mandatory initial training and periodic calibration meetings to ensure inter-rater reliability and consistent application of standards.
Test Rating: Listen to and evaluate speech samples using specific rubric criteria, including pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and listening comprehension. 
Performance Evaluation: Assign scores that accurately reflect the candidates ability to communicate complex concepts in a classroom or laboratory setting.
Data Management: Maintain accurate records and submit evaluations within established deadlines to ensure timely placement for prospective teaching assistants.
Professional Conduct: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student performance and proprietary test materials.

SETTA tests are administered virtually in August, December, January, and May. Speaking Raters can expect to work approximately 10 - 20 hours per week during these months. All rating is completed virtually via Zoom. 
 

Required 

Masters Degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, or closely related field.
Previous experience evaluating or teaching oral skills, with a focus on pronunciation.
One year of demonstrated evaluation and/or teaching experience in the area of oral communication.
Knowledge of Zoom, Google Sheets

Preferred 

Previous experience teaching international graduate students
Previous experience training Teaching Assistants at the university level
Experience teaching in higher education and/or adult learners (ABE for example).

The Center for Educational Innovation offers professional development opportunities and programs for faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants. 
The SETTA Speaking Rater supports the Universitys commitment to academic excellence and global engagement by evaluating the oral proficiency of multilingual international graduate and undergraduate students who are or will be serving as Teaching Assistants or Graduate Instructors. The primary focus of this position is the evaluation of the Spoken English Test for Teaching Assistants (SETTA). In alignment with the Board of Regents Policy: Language Proficiency Requirements for Teaching Assistants, the Rater provides objective assessments to determine a student's readiness for teaching responsibilities. By upholding these standards, the Rater helps facilitate a successful classroom experience for both the teaching assistant and their students, ensuring a clear exchange of ideas. 

Pay Range: $34 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.