English Teacher - Lutheran Theological Seminary

Location:

Hong Kong SAR

Agreement term:

Full Time, two years

Anticipated start date(s) include:

July 13, 2025

Agreement type:

Global Mission 2-year (GM2)

General Description:

• This position is located at the Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS), located on a hilltop in Shatin, Hong Kong. 
• While founded in 1977 in Hong Kong and having moved to its current site in 1992, the history of the seminary goes back to 1913 in Hubei Province of China. 
• Its neighbor on this Mountain of the Way and the Spirit (To Fung Shan) is the Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre and Institute for Sino-Christian Studies, with which the seminary cooperates in using the resources of this dynamic place to put contextualization of the Gospel into practice.
• The student body pulls from not just the Lutheran churches in Hong Kong but also includes some 20% of its students from various other countries, including China. About a quarter of the faculty are from other countries.
• The school year for LTS consists of two semesters of about 15 weeks each held from September through May each year. An Opening Retreat is held at the end of August and graduation is early June each year. English and Chinese are the languages of instruction at LTS.
• Normal teaching load for English instructors is faculty at LTS is two to three full courses per semester (6 per year). This position may or may not have regular English learning classes, but will involve individual tutorials. 
• Hong Kong is home for over 7.5 million people from many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It is one of the largest financial centers of the world with highly efficient infrastructures. 
• While there has been some political turmoil in Hong Kong overrule and control by the Beijing government, this has by and large not affected daily life or the life in the church and seminary.

Assignment Includes:

• Assign incoming students to the appropriate English class(es) according to their levels of proficiency
• Create lesson plans and teach classes at various levels.
• Assist with guidance on theological research and writing.
• Provide tutorials for students (particularly international students) with special needs in English enhancement.
• Assist students with thesis writing as directed by the seminary
• Participate in seminary life and be part of the community.

This is an ELCA sponsorable position.

All ELCA long-term global personnel participate in mission interpretation and storytelling. This includes:

• Quarterly newsletters to sponsoring congregations and individuals.
• Virtual visits throughout the year with sponsoring congregations and individuals.

Experience and Skills:

• B.A. (in English, Religion or Education preferred). 
• ESL/TESL/TEFL certification is a plus.
• Master's degree in English, education, and/or ESL/TESL/TEFL helpful.
• Classroom teaching experience desired.
• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church
• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
• Respect for beliefs, values and customs of church and culture where assigned
• Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion
• Demonstrated ability to carry out the responsibilities and the ability to adapt to different standards and practices
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA

Terms and Conditions:

• Global Mission 2-year. 
• This position is supported under the Global Mission Two-year (GM2) contract terms and conditions. Basic provisions include: international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pensions and major medical coverage, housing, utilities and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for Hong Kong SAR. 

Physical Effort:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employees will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A psychological evaluation is required.

Benefits:

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees and dependent, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer additional benefits upon deployment to the country of service.