Position Function:
Teach the Spanish language from beginner to advanced levels using (primarily) the communicative approach.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is an R1, research-oriented institution with the largest research and development budget in the state and a student population of approximately 23,150 (as of fall 2024). The Classical and Modern Languages & Literatures department has a dynamic program with an energetic and productive research and teaching faculty experienced in training high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students. The department offers a BA in Foreign Languages with concentrations in Asian Studies, Classics, French, German, and Spanish; an International Business Program (a joint BA in Foreign Languages and Business Administration); and an MA in Foreign Languages, with areas of study in French, German, and Spanish. Other languages offered include Italian and Russian. The department also offers a World Language Teaching Minor at the graduate and undergraduate levels and coordinates a multidisciplinary Minor in Latin American Studies at the undergraduate level. The department has study abroad program options for students in France, Germany, and Spain.
Mississippi State University was ranked among the top 100 Research Institutions by the NSF Higher Education Research and Development Survey 2021 and #41 on the Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers (2024), one of only ten universities in the country to make the list.
Area of Specialization:
Spanish
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2025
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
-- Instruction across sections of Spanish I -IV with a full-time (4/4) teaching load each semester. (Summer teaching is sometimes available but not guaranteed.)
-- Participate in curriculum development.
--Participate in service, such as organization and promotion of Spanish cultural activities, direction of language clubs, mentoring graduate teaching assistants, assistance with the needs of the language section, and work on departmental committees.
-- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
M.A. in Spanish from an accredited institution and native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and English.
Preferred Qualifications:
A minimum of three years' experience teaching at the college level including both in-person and online language classes.
Application of ACTFL World Readiness Standards in classroom practices.
Proficiency-oriented pedagogy including using Spanish to teach language comprehensibly to beginning and intermediate learners.
Experience interacting with rural language learners.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Spanish language and at least some regional dialects. Native or near-native fluency in Spanish. Knowledge of the communicative approach to language teaching and ability to implement that approach. Some knowledge of Spanish literature and very strong organizational skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Standard office and professional environment.
Instructions for Applying:
Applications must be made online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please attach a cover letter that outlines relevant experience and education (specifically referencing qualifications for essential duties), a current CV, a teaching portfolio (including statement of teaching philosophy, designed course syllabi and/or instructional materials, and sample teaching evaluations or letters related to 2-3 recent classes), and a copy of transcripts for each degree earned. Social Security number should be redacted prior to submitting transcripts online. A list of three references with the appropriate contact information is required.
Note: original transcripts for all degrees will be required upon employment. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials promptly.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
