English Instructors, Access English & Leadership Program (Sulaimani and Halabja), (two positions)

Full-time

English Language Teaching Positions

October 12, 2026


Sulaimani & Halabja (Two positions)

The Academic Preparatory Program (APP) of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is accepting applications for two English Instructors for the Access Program English, one based in Sulaimani and one in Halabja. We are seeking seasoned ESL/EFL teachers who can engage teenage learners and teach English as a live tool for communication and leadership. The University is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with excellent security, welcoming and hospitable residents, and eager and capable students.
The Access English & Leadership Program is a 24-month program (ending September 2028) for high school students aged 14 to 17 from public schools, with priority for students from low-income backgrounds. Classes move participants from A2/B1 toward B1/B2 and combine English instruction with digital literacy, media literacy, debate, and civic leadership.
 

Responsibilities: 

Instructors produce lesson plans and assessments that follow the Access curriculum, teach their assigned classes throughout the program, and grade assessments to track each student's progress. Responsibilities include:

  • Teaching English listening, speaking, reading, and writing to teenage learners using communicative methods aligned with CEFR/ACTFL standards
  • Developing materials and assessments that align with the curriculum, and helping refine the curriculum with the APP team
  • Administering pre-, mid-, and post-program proficiency diagnostics and bi-weekly formative assessments
  • Keeping a strict gradebook and giving extra support to students who fall behind
  • Keeping weekly attendance logs with the Records Coordinator and following up with absent students
  • Leading or supporting media literacy workshops, debate sessions, a small-scale UN Model round table, and group capstone projects
  • Accompanying students on regional field treks and supporting guest speaker sessions
  • Student advising and office hours, and supporting orientation and engagement activities
  • Taking part in term instructor evaluations, classroom observations, and training
  • Participating in team meetings and maintaining professional development

     

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Native English speaker (USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa)
  • BA or Master's degree in TESOL, Linguistics, Education, or English is preferred, OR any degree with a CELTA or TESOL
  • At least 2 years of teaching experience at the secondary or postsecondary level, preferably with learners aged 14 to 17
    Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching
  • Evidence of outstanding teaching skills, including the ability to teach diverse populations and students for whom English is not a native language
  • Experience working with AI in classroom settings
  • Near-native ESL instructor
  • BA or Master's degree is required. A master's degree in TESOL, Linguistics, Education, or English from a Western university is preferred
  • At least 2 years of teaching experience at the secondary or postsecondary level
  • Strong English communication skills. IELTS 7+ or TOEFL 100+ may be requested
  • Experience working with AI in classroom settings
     

Both tracks: ability to live and work in the position's location (Sulaimani or Halabja) for the full program period. Kurdish (Sorani) and/or Arabic is an advantage.

Salary and Benefits 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a 2 year contract.
 

Application Process:

Applicants should submit the following documents via email, with “Access ESL Instructor – Sulaimani” or "Access ESL Instructor – Halabja" in the subject line, to [email protected]:

  • Cover letter.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Copies of the highest degree and teaching certificates
  • A copy of the photo page from a current passport
  • Online qualifications for CELTA or TESOL are not accepted 

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide contact information for three academic and professional references.

No telephone calls, please. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for a follow-up interview. AUIS is an Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity employer that believes cultural diversity is essential to education.


Apply Online