Teaching Associate in Russian in Sheffield

Overview

We are seeking to appoint an experienced teacher of Russian to contribute to the delivery of the School’s Russian language provision through high-quality teaching and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of the Co-ordinator for Russian and in collaboration with other teaching professional services colleagues to ensure the administration, delivery and development of Russian language courses to the highest standards, in line with the School’s guidelines and strategies.
• Deliver teaching courses in Russian at all levels up to 8 hours a week (pro‑rata of a full‑time post) – plan and prepare linguistic and cultural teaching and independent study materials, maintain the VLE, communicate subject matter and encourage critical engagement, observe and react to student interventions, provide on‑going oral and written feedback, respond to questions outside class times and to contingencies in course delivery, and liaise effectively with staff and students both face‑to‑face and at a distance.
• Carry out formative and summative assessment for courses in accordance with guidelines, including designing and preparing assessments, marking, moderation, and providing written/oral feedback, meeting established deadlines.
• Carry out course evaluation, including facilitating student feedback, reflecting on own and team teaching design and delivery, and implementing ideas for improving own and team performance.
• Carry out administrative duties relating to own teaching such as class attendance registers.
• Supervise undergraduate and possibly Master’s project students and/or Tandem students.
• Assist the Co-ordinator for Russian by taking responsibility for design, material development, delivery, assessment and administration of some modules, co‑ordinating the work of other tutors teaching these modules if team‑taught.
• Assist the Co-ordinator for Russian in administrative duties (e.g. mentoring new tutors, collating material and information for External Examiners, participating in the registration of students and Open Days), possibly taking delegated responsibility as appropriate.
• Develop and/or contribute to co‑curricular and extracurricular activities for students.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings and quality assurance processes in respect of learning and teaching as requested (e.g., Exam Boards, periodic reviews, annual reflection exercise).
• Develop own profile as an expert language teacher by taking an active part in CPD and Scholarship schemes and activities organised by the School and the wider University (e.g. training events, L&T workshops, scholarship projects, peer observation and Staff Review Development schemes), keeping abreast of national trends in language teaching through relevant literature and conferences, and disseminating own findings internally and externally through publications, conferences, and/or workshops.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• Proven teaching ability at undergraduate level to non-native speakers, ideally in the UK and at all levels, including for specific purposes.
• Experience of designing teaching and assessment materials for Russian as a foreign language.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Russian.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively and efficiently with colleagues and students.
• Solid experience of using a virtual learning environment (e.g., Blackboard) to support teaching and learning as well as familiarity with other online teaching tools and resources.
• A high level of organisation and attention to detail, with an ability to meet tight deadlines and prioritise.
• A confident and professional manner and a good level of personal initiative, judgement and flexibility to meet the demands of the post.
• A commitment to creating a positive learning and working environment for all students and staff.
• Postgraduate qualification in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (or equivalent).
• Experience of developing new language modules.

Further Information

Grade

7 – £38,784 - £47,389 annum pro‑rate. Potential to progress to £48,423 per annum pro‑rate through sustained exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement

Part‑time 50% (working 11 months out of 12)

Duration

This post is open‑ended with a start date of 01.09.2026.

Line manager

Director of the MLTC

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.