Graduate Assistant TESOL

Primary Purpose

The Rhode Island College Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program (TESOL) graduate assistant (GA) will work with the TESOL Program to maintain systems currently in place, as well as help develop and implement new systems and initiatives in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Duties and Responsibilities

In the 2026-2027 year, the TESOL GA will have three primary areas of responsibility: 

• communication with prospective and current students,
• assistance in recordkeeping, 
• and research assistance. 

Student communication includes creating promotional materials, maintaining the website and social media presence, reaching out to current students with new opportunities, and answering questions from prospective students. In addition, there may be a couple of events throughout the year that the TESOL GA will be asked to attend. 

Assistance in recordkeeping includes helping the program co-directors keep accurate databases of information and collecting data from adjunct faculty and students. 

Research assistance involves acting as a research assistant on current projects, and may include activities such as data collection, data analysis, and recruitment.

This position will require both in-office hours (about 10) as well as remote hours, so the ability to manage time and tasks in both settings is needed.

Qualifications

• Accepted degree candidate enrolled full-time in the plan of study (minimum 6 credits; maximum 9 credits);
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to accept some direction but also be a self-starter;
• Efficient time management skills;
• Skills in digital communication (mainly through social media) and basic digital data collection and organization (through Google Docs and forms; Excel)
• Basic pedagogical knowledge of ESL and/or bilingual education
• Desire to work with a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, program alumni, current students, and prospective students
• Exemplary community and public relations skills;
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Basic skills in web design and maintenance (preferred, not required)

Learning Opportunities

We anticipate that this assistantship will enhance the professional skills of graduate students with an interest in community engagement, research, and working with multilingual teachers and communities. The GA would gain experience and develop skills in research, communication, and facilitation. Further, the TESOL GA will have creative opportunities both digitally and in the field of ESOL and bilingual education. Throughout the assistantship, the GA will have access to a variety of supports from TESOL and Bilingual Education faculty mentors, including Sarah Hesson and Alia Hadid. These supports include training with faculty mentors, connecting to other professionals at RIC, and helping find webinars and online supports as needed. We will also support our GA in applying for research and conference opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the Graduate Assistant Application, along with a résumé. Candidates should include a letter describing their qualifications for and interest in the position and send to Sarah Hesson and Alia Hadid.