Swedish Lecturer or Teaching Specialist at the University of Minnesota
About the Job
The Department of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer/Teaching Specialist and Coordinator of Swedish to begin Fall 2024. We are seeking innovative instructors and scholars who would teach primarily Swedish language courses at all levels from beginning to advanced, in addition to content courses in the field of Scandinavian Studies. The successful candidate will be expected to develop curriculum for and conduct Swedish language classes, design materials and assessments, hold office hours to assist and advise students, respond to student and department inquiries, participate in relevant training and meetings, and conduct outreach to strengthen and grow the program. We would also require continued personal growth within the profession, keeping current with the field and broadening knowledge and expertise. The teaching load is three courses per semester.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
M.A. degree or foreign equivalent or ABD in the Swedish language, Scandinavian Studies, Foreign Language Education, or a related field. Native or near native fluency in the Swedish language. Demonstration of commitment to quality teaching and program development. At least one year of postsecondary experience teaching Swedish language.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. degree or foreign equivalent in the Swedish language, Scandinavian Studies, Foreign Language Education, or a related field. Advanced knowledge of one or more of the other languages taught in our department (Dutch, Finnish, German, Norwegian, or Russian). A strong background (e.g., coursework, publications) in foreign language education, second language acquisition, or technology-enhanced teaching is preferred. Positive evaluations from students, peers and/or supervisors. Two years of postsecondary experience teaching the relevant language.
Applicants with an M.A. will be appointed as Teaching Specialists. Those with a Ph.D. will be appointed at the Lecturer level.
About the Department
Ranked as one of the top departments of its kind, German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch (GNSD) serves undergraduate, graduate, and other university students. The language program offers a wide range of courses in German, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian, and Swedish. Innovative teaching materials and instructional technologies are an integral part of the language curriculum. More information at: https://cla.umn.edu/gnsd
GNSD is located in the vibrant metropolis of the Twin Cities. Minneapolis and St. Paul have a long tradition of Scandinavian heritage and are home to renowned cultural centers such as the American Swedish Institute. The Twin Cities boasts a lively theater and art scene, as well as a variety of fantastic restaurants. Ranked as having one of the top three park systems in the country, the Twin Cities offers many opportunities to get outside and enjoy green spaces. The department itself sits in the center of campus in a historic building, Folwell Hall, that is conveniently located next to restaurants and coffee shops.
About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
The Benefits of Working at the U
Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for a position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and CV.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. This position requires that you upload a statement of teaching philosophy.
Three letters of recommendation should be sent by the recommenders via Interfolio or via e-mail to kehret@umn.edu. This position will remain open until filled. Search Committee will begin reviewing applicants February 2, 2024.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).