Teaching Associate in Catalan and Spanish

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Overview

In partnership with the Institut Ramon Llull (IRL), the Modern Languages Teaching Centre (MLTC) in the School of Languages, Arts and Societies seeks to appoint a Teaching Associate in Catalan Language and Spanish Studies who will be responsible for assisting the Co-ordinator for Catalan language provision (Beginner to Proficient) and the Programme Lead for the BA in Modern Languages and Cultures in delivering teaching these languages, developing and updating materials as appropriate. You will supervise and support the work of colleagues on team-taught modules as appropriate, take part in administrative duties in relation to these courses and to the Catalan and Spanish provisions, and contribute to the academic activities of the MLTC as a whole.

You will have native or near-native proficiency in Catalan and Spanish, with knowledge of current affairs and cultural life in Catalan- and Spanish-speaking countries and regions, a good track record in teaching both languages, especially Catalan, in Higher Education for general and possibly specific purposes, and experience of acting as module leader or leading a small team. You will have a degree involving Catalan (or equivalent experience), ideally a teaching qualification, and a strong commitment to professional development and the delivery of a high-quality, innovative language-learning experience to students.

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly motivated team of academic and administrative professionals in a supportive environment.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of the Catalan Co-ordinator/Programme Lead and in collaboration with other teaching colleagues and the Support team to ensure the administration, delivery and development of modules within own area to the highest standards, in line with the Centre’s guidelines and strategies.
• Deliver teaching courses in Catalan language and seminars in Spanish culture studies up to 15 hours a week (pro-rata of a full-time post):
  • Plan and prepare linguistic and cultural teaching and independent study materials and resources, maintaining the VLE as appropriate, communicate subject matter and encourage critical engagement with it, observe and react to student interventions, providing on-going oral and written feedback, respond to questions outside class times and to contingencies in course delivery, liaising effectively with staff and students both face-to-face and at a distance.
• Design and administer formative and summative assessment for Catalan courses in accordance with guidelines, including design and preparation of assessments, marking, second marking and providing written/oral feedback, meeting established deadlines.
• Carry out course evaluation, including facilitating student feedback, reflecting on own and team teaching design and delivery, and implementing ideas for improving own and team performance.
• Carry out administrative duties relating to own teaching.
• Assist the Co-ordinator for Catalan in administrative duties (e.g. collating material and information for External Examiners, participating in the registration of students and Open Days), possibly taking delegated responsibility as appropriate.
• Develop and/or contribute to co-curricular and extracurricular activities for students.
• In collaboration with the Institut Ramon Llull (IRL), facilitate the dissemination of Catalan language and culture regionally, organise and run exams leading to the certificates of knowledge of the Catalan language (certificats de coneixements de llengua catalana), and promote to students additional learning opportunities made available by the IRL.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings and quality assurance processes in respect of learning and teaching as requested (e.g. Exam Boards, periodic reviews, annual reflection exercise).
• Develop own profile as an expert language teacher by taking an active part in Continuing Professional Development and Scholarship schemes and activities organized by the MLTC, the wider School/University (e.g. training events, Learning & Teaching workshops, scholarship project, peer observation and Staff Review Development schemes), keeping abreast of national trends in language teaching through relevant literature and conferences, and disseminating own findings internally and externally through publications, conferences, and/or workshops.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.