Assistant Teaching Professor

The Department of French, Francophone & Italian Studies at the University of Kansas invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor position in Italian. We seek a dynamic teacher with an interest in language coordination and study abroad. Applicants should have at least a Master’s degree in Italian or Second-Language Acquisition/Applied Linguistics with an emphasis in Italian and research expertise in language learning and teaching; native or near-native fluency in Italian; record of excellence in teaching college-level courses; excellent organizational and leadership skills; and ability to work well with students, faculty, and administrators; experience coordinating first and second-year language program and experience creating open-access materials, online learning modules, and assessments; willingness to direct or co-direct the Italian Summer Language Institute program in Florence. The candidate will teach courses at all levels and coordinate the first- and second-year Italian language program. The candidate is expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature on second language acquisition, foreign-language pedagogy, and applications of technology to foreign-language learning.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. This is a non-tenure position with up to a 3-year limited term contract, which has the possibility of renewal based upon a comprehensive evaluation.

75% Teaching Responsibilities:
Teach undergraduate courses as needed by the department. These courses may be offered both on- and off-campus. The courses must be designed to meet the curricular needs of the department.

• Prepare adequate syllabi for all courses.
• Prepare and present course and class activities (lectures, discussions, etc.).
• Provide examinations, papers, presentations, and other means to evaluate student performance.
• Be available to students for advising, consultation, and supervision.
• Treat students with courtesy and with respect for their rights, including, but not limited to, academic freedom and those rights as outlined in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.

Coordination of instruction and curriculum development of first- and second year language sequence.

• Course design (including textbook selection, creation of open-access materials, online courses, and creation of syllabi) aimed at implementing learning objectives through specific course components, teaching practices, and organization.
• Ongoing pedagogical training of lecturers and GTAs through orientation at the beginning of each semester, class observations, and workshops.
• Coordination and revision of all course-wide major assignments, including midterms and final examinations for all first- and second-year Italian language courses.
• The Assistant Teaching Professor will also be responsible for teaching assignments, ordering textbooks, setting up online learning and assessment management systems for all courses.

15% Service Responsibilities:

• Faculty members must share in the work of the department, including attending faculty meetings and participating in departmental committees and/or administrative functions.
• Faculty members are expected to contribute to the profession through contributions to professional associations and conferences.
• Faculty are expected to participate in extracurricular activities such as Italian Table, as well as engage in recruiting and outreach efforts.
• The Assistant Teaching Professor will be responsible for:
  • Creation, administration, and evaluation of placement and proficiency tests.
  • Determination of KU credit equivalencies and approval of credit transfer for students who take Italian courses while studying abroad.
  • Coordinating the hiring of Italian lecturers.

10% Research Responsibilities:

• Faculty members are expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature in their field, as evidenced in an active and productive research program but also in the development of pedagogical projects, curriculum development, including creation of open-access materials, up-to-date course syllabi and in the participation in research conferences.
• The Assistant Teaching Professor is also expected to remain current in the research and scholarly literature on second language acquisition, foreign language pedagogy, and applications of technology to foreign language learning.

Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application; (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in c.v.; (3) teaching portfolio (this should include two complete sets of student evaluations and a teaching statement/philosophy); and (3) information provided from professional references.

1. Master's degree in Italian studies, or Second-Language Acquisition/Applied Linguistics with research expertise in language learning and teaching
2. Native or near-native language ability in both Italian and English.
3. 3-years' experience teaching Italian language and culture in a US college or university.
4. Demonstrated excellence in teaching Italian, including at least two complete sets of student evaluations, a teaching statement/philosophy, and teaching portfolio.
5. Experience coordinating first- and second-year language program as well as experience creating open-access materials, online learning modules, and assessments.
6. Ability to ensure ongoing and innovative pedagogical training of lecturers and GTAs through orientation at the beginning of each semester, class observations, and workshops.
7. Willingness to direct or co-direct the Italian Summer Language Institute program in Florence.

A complete application will include the following items: (1) descriptions of work experience and educational experiences in letter of application; (2) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in Curriculum Vitae; (3) teaching portfolio (this should include two complete sets of student evaluations and a teaching statement/philosophy); and (4) information provided from professional references.

Initial review of applications will begin Monday, April 14, 2025. Please apply by this date.

Dr. E. Bruce Hayes
bhayes@ku.edu

commensurate

Monday April 14, 2025

Monday August 18, 2025