ESL Teacher & Activity Counselor NYC

Job Description

Job Description

Location and Dates:

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

• Currently only 2 week contracts available from July 20 - August 2, 2026
  

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)