UNV Online Digital Literacy TESOL Course Mentor for English Teachers

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is dedicated to promoting the social, economic, intellectual, and informational development of cities and districts in Tajikistan. Its mission emphasizes the empowerment of youth and women, aiming to improve educational outcomes in developing regions. The organization has secured funding for a TESOL program to support local English teachers, addressing financial barriers and enhancing digital literacy to prevent dropout rates among teachers.

Job Overview:
The position of Online Digital Literacy TESOL Course Mentor involves serving as a digital facilitator and tech mentor for 5 to 6 English teachers in Tajikistan who are enrolled in an online TESOL course. The mentor's role is not to teach the TESOL content but to ensure that the teachers can effectively access, navigate, and submit their work on the online learning platform. This includes leading a virtual onboarding session, providing ongoing mentorship throughout the course, and assisting with technical issues that may arise due to the digital infrastructure constraints in the region. The mentor will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the funding provided and the successful completion of the certification by the teachers, thereby enhancing the overall quality of English education in Tajikistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a live virtual onboarding session for teachers to guide them in creating accounts, setting up passwords, and navigating the user dashboard.
• Provide ongoing mentorship during the course, helping teachers locate assignments, understand grading rubrics, and troubleshoot any media playback issues.
• Assist teachers in formatting documents, attaching files, and uploading their final essays or lesson plans to the learning portal.
• Explain the automated quiz mechanisms and ensure teachers can review feedback on incorrect answers.
• Guide teachers through the process of downloading, saving, and verifying their digital TESOL certificates at the end of the course.
• Maintain communication through Zoom for formal sessions and a dedicated Telegram group for day-to-day queries.
• Commit to 2 to 3 hours of availability per week, including a fixed weekly group video call and flexible hours for text-based support.
• Submit weekly progress updates to the nonprofit coordinator, detailing individual teacher progress and any challenges faced.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong digital literacy skills and familiarity with online learning platforms such as Coursera, Canvas, or Moodle.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in simplifying technical jargon for non-native English speakers.
• Patience and adaptability to work with teachers who may have limited access to stable internet and may require low-bandwidth solutions.
• Experience in mentoring or teaching, particularly in a digital context, is highly desirable.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by educators in developing regions, particularly in relation to technology and professional development.

Educational Background:
A background in education, particularly in English language teaching or TESOL, is preferred. Familiarity with digital learning environments and instructional technology is also beneficial. A degree in education, linguistics, or a related field would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a moderate level of experience in digital education or mentoring, ideally with a focus on English language teaching. Previous experience working with teachers in developing regions or in a volunteer capacity is a plus. The mentor should be comfortable navigating online platforms and providing technical support to individuals with varying levels of digital literacy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the teachers are English educators. Knowledge of Tajik or Russian may be beneficial but is not required. The ability to communicate clearly and simply in English is essential, especially when addressing technical issues.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the commitment is expected to be part-time, requiring 2 to 3 hours per week. The mentor will work independently and report directly to the nonprofit’s internal project coordinator. The role is crucial for the success of the Tajikistan English Educators Capacity Project, which aims to enhance the professional development of teachers in the region.