ESL Teacher & Activity Counselor NYC

Job Description
Location and Dates:

St. John's University (Queens Campus) - Housing available if desired

• Camp runs from June 15 - August 16, 2026
• Currently only 2 and 4-week contracts are available from Jul 20-August 16

As an English teacher, you'll plan and deliver effective, dynamic, and engaging lessons for international teenagers and young adults, while evaluating their progress. Beyond academics, you'll lead off-site excursions to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Your key tasks will consist of, but not be limited to:

Overall Responsibilities:

Student Supervision:

• Act in loco parentis to ensure and maintain student discipline, welfare, safety, and security at all times.
• Ensure that students adhere to the YES USA Student Code of Conduct.
• Inform management immediately of any issues and initiate appropriate disciplinary actions.

Teacher Duties:

• Following the YES USA curriculum, prepare for and deliver high-quality and effective English lessons; adapt and supplement whenever needed.
• Be prepared to teach unplugged in case of any issues with the classroom, technology, materials, or the like.
• Maintain up-to-date records of student attendance.
• Monitor student performance and evaluate their progress throughout the course.
• Prepare and submit weekly evaluation reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure punctuality for all classes, excursions, and scheduled activities, contributing to the smooth operation and positive experience of the program.
• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings and professional development workshops when arranged.
• Assist at any time, whether on duty or not, with emergencies.
• Manage any problems or incidents and report them to the management team.

Activity Counselor Duties:

Off-Campus Excursions

• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings and professional development workshops when arranged.
• Prepare for off-site excursions (study and memorize cultural and historical information, check and study directions to excursion sites, etc.).
• Provide information and share stories with students/chaperones about cultural and historical places visited in a fun and engaging way.
• Actively supervise, interact with, and entertain students and chaperones to ensure their satisfaction.
• Follow the itinerary but be ready to think on your feet and successfully manage emerging situations.
• Provide receipts from excursion vendors or cafes/restaurants after each excursion, if applicable.
• Assist at any time, whether on duty or not, with emergencies.
• Manage any problems or incidents and report them to the management team.

On-Campus Activities

• Lead on-campus activities, such as music night, volleyball, etc.
• Assist in coordinating on-campus food activity deliveries, including tasks such as picking up food, setting up a dining area, facilitating food distribution, and cleaning up the dining area.

Session Opening and Closing Responsibilities

• Contribute to the preparation for student arrival by participating in tasks such as room inspections, assembling welcome packets, facilitating new student orientation, and conducting campus tours, among other responsibilities.
• Meet and greet students at the airport and accompany them to the campus via private shuttle or taxi.
• Provide support during new student check-ins.
• Assist with end-of-course ceremonies.
• Assist with room inspections during student check-outs and coordinate their airport transfers for a seamless departure experience.

Requirements

• All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in TESOL, linguistics, or English.
• ESL teaching certificate, such as Cambridge CELTA or its equivalent.
• Prior ESL experience of teaching teenagers.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Qualities

An ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Establishes strong rapport with teenagers through effective communication
• Exhibits genuine interest in other cultures and willingly shares personal experiences
• Displays a fun and outgoing personality to foster an engaging environment
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and authority when dealing with students
• Possesses a proactive approach to researching and learning about the city to enrich students' understanding
• Effectively navigates the city with a group of teenagers, showcasing effective leadership
• A good sense of direction and a strong knowledge of the city and its surroundings, including the public transportation system, are required.
• Remains calm under pressure and maintains a positive attitude during challenges and emergencies
• Adapts well to change, showing flexibility in various situations
• Commits to working extended hours, including weekends and holidays, to ensure program success.

Application Procedure

Prior to offering a job to selected candidates, YES USA will:

• Complete a reference check (names and contact details of three references are required).
• Run a background check.

Upon signing a job offer, successful candidates will be required to:

• Submit a copy of their diploma(s) or transcripts along with other new hire paperwork.

Hours

• Candidates must be willing to work long hours as classes could begin as early as 8:30am and excursions could end as late as 10:30pm.
• Teaching Hours: 30 hours in a 2-week period
• Excursion/Activity Hours: 60 hours in a 2-week period.

Compensation and Benefits

• Residential Pay: $1,037-$1,393 every two weeks
• Commuter Pay: $1,620-$1,830 every two weeks
• At least one full day off per week
• On-campus housing in a shared dorm (Residential Staff Only)