Teaching Assistant in Arabic (Part-Time)

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