2026 - 27 Lecturer or Teaching Specialist: Creative Writing

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 1,988,910 - 2,832,690; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Continued learning opportunities

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Disability and employer-paid life insurance

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is hiring for the Creative Writing Program in the Department of English for lecturer or teaching specialist positions, primarily aimed at undergraduate courses. Candidates must demonstrate strong teaching experience, with a focus on creative writing and literature.

Successful applicants will have a terminal degree for lecturers or a Bachelor's for teaching specialists, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in academic settings. Competitive pay and benefits are offered, including low-cost healthcare plans and generous time off.

Qualifications

• MFA, Ph.D. or related terminal degree required for lecturer role.
• Bachelor's degree required for teaching specialist role.
• Minimum of one year college teaching experience in a designated field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and teach classes effectively.
• Create course sites and syllabi that conform to policies.
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades.

Skills

College teaching experience

Creative writing familiarity

Literature knowledge

Education

MFA, Ph.D. or related terminal degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts is accepting applications for lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that may occur in Fall 2026 (August 31, 2026 - January 13, 2027); or Spring 2027 (January 14, 2027 - May 30, 2027). The English Department occasionally needs lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty members or graduate students. This does not constitute a posting for vacancies but establishes a pool of instructors if such openings occur during the 2026/27 academic year. Applicants may be selected from this pool on an as‑needed basis throughout the academic year. Teaching may be for day or evening courses, and primarily will be for in‑person instruction. Appointments may or may not be renewable based on need, funding, and performance. Courses are primarily introductory undergraduate courses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare for and teach classes in ways that best help students to learn
• Create Canvas course sites and syllabi that conform to department and University policies
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in field of practice
• Hold regular office hours that are clearly announced in advance
• Respond to student needs and questions professionally and in a timely manner
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades
• Communicate instructor evaluation process to students
• Respond to department and University emails in a timely manner
• Follow all relevant University policies and procedures and participate in trainings, as required
• Participate in relevant departmental meetings
• Submit annual review materials

QUALIFICATIONS

LECTURER

Required qualifications:

• MFA, Ph.D. or related terminal degree
• A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications:

• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature
• One published book or book in press

TEACHING SPECIALIST

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in English or a closely related field
• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature
• One published book or book in press

PAY AND BENEFITS

Pay Range: Minimum of $1,750 per credit, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Lecturers: Minimum of $1,750 per credit, depending on education, qualifications and experience

Teaching Specialists: Minimum of $1,750 per credit, depending on education, qualifications and experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

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 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.