Teaching Assistant in Arabic (Part-Time)

Position

Details

Title Teaching Assistant in Arabic (Part-Time) School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Position Description

The 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.

Responsibilities

The 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 Commitment

Approximately 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 Term

Fall 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.

Compensation

Salary 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 Instructions

Interested 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 Information

NELC 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 Keywords

Arabic

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents