Looking for Teaching Assistant Professor - German in Denver, CO
Posted 2025-03-14Job title: Teaching Assistant Professor - German
Company: University of Denver
Job description: The Center for World Languages and Cultures (CWLC) promotes engaged learning, teaching, and practice of the world's languages and cultures; integrates languages and cultures into all disciplines and fields of study; and builds and supports interculturally competent communities through the exploration and experience of languages and cultures at the University of Denver with its local and global communities and partners. The CWLC is part of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), the University's largest unit.
Housed in the CWLC, the first-year language program (FYLP) offers study in nine languages and aids students in experiencing the world through the lens of an acquired language, and in understanding cultures -their own and others - from a position different from their primary language and cultural identification. The linguistic contribution to intercultural competency - that is to say, understanding another culture in the language of that culture and not just through the translations and perspectives of a mother-tongue and culture - is integral to achieving personal, social, and professional successes in a multi-cultural and global future.
The first-year German program provides students with an introduction to the German language and culture and prepares students to study further through the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (LL&C). LL&C offers both a major and a minor and supports dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of German with majors like international studies, international business, and intercultural communications.
The CWLC is strongly committed to building a diverse and inclusive educational environment, which is in full accord with the value that DU places on its commitment to . Candidates must demonstrate an ability to integrate content and issues relating to, and to work effectively with, ethnically/racially diverse populations.
Position Summary
The University of Denver will hire a full-time, appointed German teaching assistant professor to teach the first-year German language sequence as well as humanities courses (or area of specialization) taught in English for the Common Curriculum, and other relevant courses as needed. This is a non-tenure track position that provides a three-year contract with full benefits and is renewable with the possibility of promotion. (Promotions to teaching associate and teaching full professor come with longer contracts.)
The appointment will start on September 1st, 2024. Course load is eight (8) courses per year, spread across a three-quarter calendar. Other responsibilities include developing a rigorous first-year curriculum, leading German section meetings and adjunct faculty in the FYLP, advising students on placement, participating in retention and recruitment efforts, implementing program assessment in the spring quarter, working closely with other CWLC faculty to support CWLC endeavors, and coordinating with the German faculty in the LL&C toward building a cohesive German program.
Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence, commitment to culturally responsive teaching, and ability to implement innovative teaching and learning approaches will be strongly preferred. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to and service.
Essential Functions
Teaching
- Teach eight classes over three academic quarters, including first-year language courses, humanities courses (or area of specialization) taught in English contributing to the Common Curriculum, and other relevant language courses as needed,
- Develop first-year sequence curriculum and assessments,
- Develop common curriculum humanities courses taught in English.
- Coordinate the German sections in the FYLP when serving as German language coordinator,
- Assess the first-year German program annually with other colleagues as appropriate
- Participate in CWLC meetings and committees, as well as CAHSS and University committees,
- Actively collaborate with CWLC colleagues and with the department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures program faculty on recruitment and language advocacy initiatives.
- Active scholarship is welcome and supported, though it is not a job requirement for this position.
- Master's degree or ABD in German Studies, in German Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus on German, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
- Native or near-native fluency level in German and English.
- 1-2 years of teaching experience of a university-level German course in the United States (e.g., Teaching Assistant as an ?instructor of record? with grading responsibilities).
- Evidence of teaching using task-based, communicative methodologies which prioritize student-student interactions.
- Evidence of implementing culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Experience or willingness to learn course management systems such as Canvas.
- Availability to teach classes ?face-to-face? in physical classrooms at the University of Denver.
- Ph.D. in German Studies, in German Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus on German, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
- 3 + years previous experience teaching a university-level course in German in the United States as the primary instructor, especially with courses from the first-year language sequence.
- Experience in program development.
- Extended residence or/and extensive travel in the German-speaking world.
- Experience interacting with and effectively teaching diverse communities of students.
- Experience managing a course via Canvas.
Language courses meet for 10-week sessions with 50-minute classes held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Other Common Curriculum courses may meet twice a week for 110 minutes during the week. Departmental or university service duties may be required beyond the Monday through Thursday teaching schedule, including service on hiring or other committees and assistance with language placement and advising.
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 5, 2023.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $58,000 - $60,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate's sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the .
For full consideration, please include the following documents with your application: * Cover letter (1 to 2 pages) including a statement of how the applicant can contribute to values, practices and actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusivity. Candidates can view DU's DEI Strategic Plan here (
) and/or the College of Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) DEI Strategic plan here ( ). * C.V.
- One-page statement on teaching philosophy, addressing culturally responsive teaching practices
- Original sample lesson plan for an elementary German language course with materials supporting learning activities and explanations in English
- A sample syllabus, preferably of a first-year language course
- Names and contact information of three references.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: August 02, 2023
Applications close:
Expected salary: $58000 - 60000 per year
Location: Denver, CO