Salary commensurate with education and experience.
The Department of Chicano Studies, Languages, and Linguistics at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Instruction in Spanish, with responsibilities in language instruction, program coordination, and study abroad leadership. This is a non-tenure-track position, renewable based on performance, budget, and need.
The successful candidate will teach three Spanish courses per semester at beginning and intermediate levels, serving both heritage speakers and second-language learners. In addition to teaching, the appointee will coordinate the department's Spanish and other language programs (excluding ESOL), ensuring curricular consistency across multiple sections, overseeing placement and proficiency assessments, supporting instructional staff, and contributing to long-term program planning.
The position also includes leadership of the department's faculty-led Study Abroad programs, which entails program development, student recruitment, coordination of logistics, and collaboration with faculty colleagues to create high-quality, immersive academic experiences abroad.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and strengthening the department's language offerings, supporting student success, and fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of effective language teaching, experience in language program coordination, and a commitment to innovative, student-centered pedagogy.
Essential Functions
- Teach three Spanish courses per semester (face-to-face and/or online) at beginning and intermediate levels.
- Coordinate Spanish and other language courses in the department (excluding ESOL), including scheduling, curricular alignment, and instructional support.
- Lead and coordinate faculty-led Study Abroad programs, including program development, student recruitment, and logistical oversight.
- Conduct placement and proficiency assessments as needed for accurate student placement and external requirements (e.g., Fulbright).
- Support curriculum development to ensure consistency and quality across multi-section courses and program levels.
- Develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction using varied pedagogical approaches that meet the needs of both heritage and second-language learners.
- Evaluate student learning outcomes using diverse methods (e.g., exams, projects, presentations, proficiency benchmarks).
- Maintain an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that fosters student engagement and success.
- Participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
- Stay current with developments in the fields of Spanish language teaching, program coordination, and study abroad.
- Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Spanish, Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, or a closely related field.
- Near-native or native proficiency in Spanish and excellent command of English.
- Minimum of five years' experience teaching Spanish at the post-secondary level, with documented success in lower-division instruction.
- Experience teaching Spanish to both native and non-native speakers, with demonstrated ability to address the pedagogical needs of diverse learner populations.
- Proficiency in instructional technologies and Learning Management Systems (e.g., Blackboard, MS Teams) as applied to language teaching.
- Proven experience in language program coordination, such as overseeing multi-section courses, aligning curricula across levels, implementing placement testing, or standardizing learning outcomes.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in multiple instructional modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online).
- Evidence of strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.
- Commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching and program coordination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience directing or coordinating study abroad programs, including student recruitment, program development, and logistical/academic oversight.
- Demonstrated success in supervising or mentoring instructors (e.g., graduate teaching assistants, lecturers, or adjunct faculty) within a language program.
- Background in intensive, accelerated, or heritage language instruction, with sensitivity to the needs of diverse student populations.
- Experience with language assessment and program evaluation, such as developing placement exams, proficiency testing, or outcomes-based curricular design.
- Evidence of innovative and inclusive teaching practices, including integration of technology, community engagement, and active-learning methodologies.
- Experience in interdisciplinary or collaborative program development that connects language study with broader fields (e.g., translation, linguistics, cultural studies).
- Professional engagement with national or international organizations related to language instruction, applied linguistics, or study abroad.
- Commitment to equity, access, and student success in higher education, particularly in Hispanic-Serving Institutions or other diverse educational contexts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page teaching statement outlining teaching philosophy and approach
- Two letters of recommendation
Review of applications will begin on October 1st, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1, opportunity, and community engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.