University of Nebraska at Kearney

Job Summary:

The Summer ELI Instructor supports ELI’s mission to deliver accessible, high-quality academic English instruction that prepares international students for university study and professional communication during the summer semester. This role focuses on short, intensive summer terms and emphasizes student engagement, academic readiness, and intercultural competence in an immersive, face-to-face environment. This position is required to be on campus for the sessions.

The instructor will teach high-quality English language courses to international students enrolled in the ELI Summer Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). Primary responsibilities include planning and delivering engaging, level-appropriate instruction in speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and standardized test preparation; assessing student progress; and contributing to curricular alignment across summer sections. The instructor will use appropriate instructional technologies (e.g., Canvas, classroom multimedia), participate in placement/orientation, and support co-curricular activities (conversation hours, cultural events) that reinforce program learning outcomes. In addition, the instructor will support ELI internship programs as needed by mentoring interns and facilitating supervised classroom observations in accordance with program policies and student privacy requirements.

About Us:

The English Language Institute provides the best English language and American culture program available at a competitive cost. It is open to all qualified students who wish to learn English in a safe, nurturing environment. 

ELI emphasizes

• Speaking – Developing confidence in discussions, presentations, and classroom interactions
• Listening – Understanding lectures, note-taking strategies, and academic discourse
• Reading – Improving comprehension of textbooks, articles, and research materials
• Writing – Strengthening skills for essays, reports, and academic research papers

ELI Summer Classes

UNK offers two four-week sessions of summer English language courses. 

• Session 1 = June 8 - July 3
• Session 2 = July 6 - July 31

Anticipated begin date May 18, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

LEVEL OF EDUCATION, YEARS & TYPE OF EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or closely related field; or Bachelor’s with recognized TESOL/TEFL/CELTA certification and substantial experience.
• Minimum two years of ESL/EFL teaching experience with adolescents and/or adults (intensive or summer experience preferred).
• Experience teaching in face-to-face settings; familiarity with Canvas LMS and classroom media.
• Experience designing/adapting curriculum and assessments to meet program objectives.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse populations and sensitivity to cultural/linguistic differences.
• Strong technology skills for instructional and administrative tasks.
• Familiarity with IELTS/TOEFL content and/or experience teaching preparation courses (preferred).
• Native English proficiency.

Other Requirements

• Availability to teach morning and/or afternoon blocks during the summer term
• Submission of a sample lesson plan and a brief (15–30 minute) teaching demonstration (live or recorded).
• Willingness to assist ELI internship programs as needed (e.g., mentoring interns and facilitating supervised classroom observations in compliance with program policies and student privacy).

Additional Information:

Compensation

• Instructors will receive $1,000 in compensation for each four-week course. 
• Instructors will teach 1–2 courses based on enrollment numbers.
• This position is not eligible for benefits.