How to Apply

Please submit all of your application materials as a single PDF in this order: 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3)  a DEI statement (an appraisal of your goals and plans around diversity, equity, and inclusion including: the strategies you use in your teaching; how you engage in DEI efforts beyond the classroom; how your experiences align with the DEI mission of the University of Michigan), 4) a teaching statement, 5) a copy of all transcripts, and 6) student course evaluations, if available. The application system will not accept a PDF larger than 500kb. If your PDF is larger than 500kb, please upload just your cover letter and CV, then send the rest of the required materials as one PDF to rllexecasst@umich.edu. In addition, please send 3 confidential letters of recommendation to rllexecasst@umich.edu.

Summary

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) invites applications for a Lecturer III/Coordinator appointment to oversee the department’s Spanish 100, 101 and 102 language courses starting on September 1, 2023. This is a four year, full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track position. Prior to the end of the four-year period, the person will be considered for promotion to a Lecturer IV title with the presumption of renewal. 

With a history dating back to 1846, RLL is one of the longest-running departments in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). We offer four undergraduate majors, four undergraduate minors, and three doctoral degrees. In addition to these degree programs, the department teaches the vast majority of UM-Ann Arbor’s undergraduate students whose school or colleges have a language requirement. 

Spanish 100, 101 and 102 are a part of RLL’s Elementary Language Program (ELP). RLL views the courses as an opportunity to introduce students to first year courses while also combining language learning with content that supports RLL’s mission of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The coordinator will lead a group of instructors – other Lecturers and Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) employed by RLL. 

The department has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and actively seeks to teach not only the languages and cultures of France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain but also the legacy of their colonial activities across the globe. For more information about the department’s programs, mission, and values, please visit www.lsa.umich.edu/rll.

This appointment is subject to final approval by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. 
 

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Responsibilities*

This Lecturer III position teaches their own ELP courses and coordinates all sections of Spanish 100, 101, and 102 offered by RLL during the academic year. 

The coordination duties, which are carried out under the supervision of the ELP Director and Assistant Director, include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Oversee all aspects of Spanish 100, 101, and 102 courses
• Mentor and train new and continuing instructors  
• Incorporate RLL, LSA, and U-M’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals into the courses you teach and lead
• Conduct classroom observations and complete observation reports
• Evaluate and select textbooks in coordination with the other Spanish coordinators
• Create and maintain course syllabi and course policies
• Provide sample classroom and assessment materials
• Serve as an active partner to the Director and Assistant Director of the ELP
• Work closely with the Spanish 103 and 231 Coordinators to align course objectives and outcomes
• Participate in department-wide coordinator meetings
• Schedule and lead section meetings for the courses they coordinate
• Serve on departmental committees
• Take part in the resolution of student academic integrity issues, grade grievances, and other issues that may arise in the classes you coordinate

Lecturer IIIs are voting members of RLL’s faculty and invited to attend departmental faculty meetings. 
 

Required Qualifications*

The successful candidate will be a dynamic teacher committed to excellence in both foreign language teaching and methodologies and possess the following:

• An M.A. or Ph.D. in Spanish, Applied Linguistics, Language Pedagogy, or related field preferred
• Prior experience in administration in an academic unit and/or course coordination 
• Five or more years of experience teaching Spanish at a U.S.-based university 
• Familiarity with the communicative method of language instruction and prior experience teaching 
• Native or near native proficiency in Spanish
• A sophisticated understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as well as demonstrated experience incorporating the same into their courses and administrative work

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Application deadline is January 8, 2023. 

Decision Making Process

The position and appointment are subject to final approval by the Department and the College.  An offer of appointment is expected to be made by the end of April 2022.

Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based upon demonstrated subject matter expertise, previous experience, successful performance in the classroom, the needs of the department, and how well they meet the required qualifications. 
 

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.