Careers - Brazilian Portuguese Distance Learning Mentor (DLM)

Overview

Global Language Center is currently seeking candidates to serve as Brazilian Portuguese Distance Learning Mentors (DLMs) for adult learners who are receiving language training through the U.S. Department of State's National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC).

Distance Learning courses are typically 4, 10, or 14 weeks in length. Full-time DLMs are assigned approximately 25 students and conduct 45-minute online or telephone mentoring sessions with each student on a weekly basis. During the sessions, DLMs assess student progress, answer student questions, and provide speaking practice.

NOTE: Candidates must be located within the National Capital Region (DC, Maryland, Virginia).

Responsibilities

• • Schedule and conduct remote mentoring and make-up sessions with students, using established training materials.
• • Hold mentoring sessions outside of normal NFATC business hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) to accommodate students in other time zones.
• • Informally assess student language proficiency level to determine the most suitable course or group within a course.
• • Follow techniques, methodologies, and approaches that are deemed best instructional practices.
• • Collaborate with NFATC staff on tasks related to the development or revision of distance language learning course curriculum, language training materials, or reference materials, including but not limited to text, audio, video, and technology-based media.
• • Record audio or video materials as assigned.
• • Attend pre-semester orientations and mentor meetings (usually bi-weekly), in-service staff development and orientation activities (including delivering presentations or facilitating workshops), and language section meetings as required.
• • Maintain notes and documentation in the NFATC Learning Management System to track student attendance, completion of assignments, performance, feedback, assessments, course assignments and objectives.

Qualifications

• • Educated native or near-native speaker of Brazilian Portuguese (Level 4 or higher on the ILR proficiency scale).
• • A minimum English proficiency level of a 2/2 on the ILR proficiency scale (Limited Working Proficiency).
• • Possess the cultural background of the country or geographical region required (i.e.; raised or educated in the country; lived in a cultural enclave or heritage community; demonstrated through work experience or academic preparation; completed formal education—secondary school or beyond—in the cultural environment).
• • A minimum of one (1) year of experience teaching foreign language(s) to adult learners in an online setting.
• • A minimum of one (1) year of experience administering proficiency-based assessments (e.g., DLPT, ACTFL, OPI).
• • Experience using a Learning Management System as an instructor or administrator.
• • Knowledge of basic computer skills.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will also have:
• A BS/BA or MS/MA, or foreign equivalent degree in any field. Experience developing foreign language instructional materials and/or curricula;
• Experience teaching with the communicative approach;
• Experience incorporating a range of educational technology in teaching;
• Experience teaching blended learning activities;
• Experience teaching with task-based learning materials;
• Experience teaching with vocabulary-based language learning materials;
• Experience delivering training targeted to needs of diplomatic community.