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. 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 Spanish program provides students with an introduction to the Spanish language and Hispanic culture and prepares students to study further through the Department of Spanish, Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies (SLLCS). SLLCS offers both a major and a minor and supports dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Spanish 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to integrate content and issues relating to and to work effectively with ethnically and racially diverse populations.
Position Summary
The CWLC at the University of Denver will hire a full-time, Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor of Spanish, non-tenure track, with health benefits to teach primarily first-year Spanish language sequence toward the undergraduate common curriculum for the academic year 2025-2026.The one-year appointment will take effect 1 September 2025 and may be renewed pending budget availability.
This position’s course load is eight (8) courses per year (primarily SPAN 1001, SPAN 1002, SPAN 1003) spread across a three-quarter calendar. The position entails 90% commitment to teaching and 10 % commitment to service to CWLC. The successful candidate will be reviewed by the CWLC Director annually. Other responsibilities include: participating in CWLC meetings and Spanish section meetings, working closely with colleagues within the Spanish FYLP and the CWLC, participating in retention and recruitment efforts, advising students on placement, participating in professional development opportunities on campus, and implementing the program assessment in the Spring quarter.
Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence and ability to implement innovative teaching and learning approaches are strongly preferred. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion through their teaching.
Essential Functions
Job requirements for undergraduate classes include teaching a 10-week course on-campus in 4 sessions of 50 minutes each per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, creating lesson plans, holding weekly office hours (either on campus or potentially virtually via Zoom video-conferencing depending on circumstances), collaborating with colleagues on curriculum development, evaluating assessments and projects, and participating in meetings and group training for colleagues in the Spanish section. During the Spring quarter, the visiting faculty is also expected to contribute to Program Assessment activities.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree or ABD in Spanish Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus on Spanish, in Spanish language, literatures and cultures, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
- Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and English.
- 2 years of previous experience teaching a university-level course in Spanish in the United States (e.g., Teaching Assistant as an “instructor of record” with grading responsibilities).
- Evidence of a commitment to incorporate teaching methods to engage diverse student populations effectively.
- Evidence of teaching using task-based, communicative methodologies which prioritize student-student interactions.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics, in Second Language Acquisition with a focus on Spanish, in Spanish language, literatures and cultures, or in Education. Closely related fields will be given consideration as well.
- 3 + years' experience teaching a Spanish university-level course as the primary instructor, especially with courses from the first-year language sequence.
- Extended residence or/and extensive travel in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Evidence of effective collaboration with faculty on assessment and/or curricular initiatives.
- Experience interacting with and effectively teaching diverse communities of students.
- Experience managing a course via Canvas.
Work Schedule
10-week sessions with classes held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00pm (MST) Friday, May 23rd, 2025.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade
The salary grade for this position is UC.
Salary Range
The salary for this position is $ 50,000.
Benefits:
The University of Denver 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 University of Denver.
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
Physical Activities
- Ability to use a computer for an extended period
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus
For full consideration, please include the following documents with your application:
- C.V., cover letter, and a lesson plan for an elementary Spanish language course.
- A 1–2-page teaching philosophy that also addresses teaching ethnically, racially, and other diverse populations.
- Names and contact information of two references on C.V.
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.