St. Paul, MN USA
Academic Tutor – ESL & University Academic Support
University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, Woodbury, or Oakdale, MN
Position Overview
We are seeking a patient, dependable, and experienced Academic Tutor with ESL teaching experience to work one-on-one with a Chinese student attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. The tutor will provide a combination of academic support and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to help the student successfully navigate university coursework, strengthen academic English skills, develop effective study habits, and gain confidence and independence in an American university environment.
The ideal candidate will have experience teaching or tutoring English language learners, preferably in an academic or college setting, and will be comfortable helping an international student understand both the English language and the expectations of an American university.
This position offers approximately 5–6 hours per week, with a combination of in-person and remote tutoring based on the student’s needs and progress.
Key Responsibilities
Provide one-on-one academic support to help the student navigate university coursework and expectations.
Provide ESL instruction and ongoing English-language support, with an emphasis on the English skills needed for success in college-level coursework.
Help the student improve academic reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Help the student understand academic instructions, course materials, assignments, and university expectations in English.
Assist with the Canvas learning platform, including:
Locating syllabi and course materials
Understanding assignment requirements
Tracking deadlines
Submitting assignments
Help the student develop effective strategies for completing coursework and monitor coursework completion.
Provide guidance and support in preparing for quizzes, tests, midterms, and final exams.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
Demonstrated experience teaching or tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL) or working with English language learners.
Experience helping students develop academic English skills, particularly reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and communication.
Experience working with international students is preferred.
Familiarity with college-level coursework and expectations.
Comfort working with online learning platforms such as Canvas.
Reliability and the ability to build a positive and encouraging working relationship with a student.
Availability to provide in-person tutoring at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus and/or in Woodbury or Oakdale, Minnesota.
Schedule and Location
Approximately 5–6 hours per week
In-person tutoring at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus, in Woodbury, or in Oakdale
Some tutoring may be conducted remotely, depending on the student’s needs and progress
Flexible scheduling coordinated with the student
Start date: Immediate
Expected commitment through May 2027
Compensation
$30.00 – $40.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
A travel stipend is available to help cover campus parking expenses and mileage when driving to meet the student
Additional Information
This position is structured as an independent contractor engagement. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ESL teacher or tutor, educator, graduate student, academic support professional, or college tutor who enjoys working one-on-one with international students.
The successful candidate will play an important role in helping the student not only keep up with university coursework, but also develop the English-language skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in an American university environment.
Please submit a brief introduction and resume or summary of relevant experience to Shine Language School (Shine) at: [email protected] or contact Jennifer Gerth at 651-747-6573 for more information.