Adjunct Faculty, Indigenous Languages of the West

University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 4,644 - 5,676; Part time

Job summary

University of Denver invites applications for an adjunct faculty position to teach Indigenous Languages of the West (Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, or Ute). This part-time, non-tenure-track role involves teaching 1 undergraduate course per quarter, up to 3 per academic year, with a focus on beginning language and culture using inclusive, task-based methods.

The candidate will conduct 10-week on-campus sessions with 110-minute classes, hold weekly office hours, and contribute to program

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more Indigenous languages of the West.
• Master's degree in education, second language education, linguistics, or related field.
• Cultural knowledge and connection to the language community preferred.
• 1-2 years of teaching experience in the United States.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching methods.
• Experience with task-based, communicative methodologies.
• Familiarity with Canvas or willingness to learn.
• Availability to teach face‑to‑face on campus.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 10-week course on campus in two sessions of 110 minutes each per week.
• Create lesson plans and develop course assessments and evaluating homework, quizzes, and exams.
• Hold weekly office hours (on campus or via Zoom).
• Develop program assessments and contribute to course evaluations.

Skills

Indigenous languages

Student-centered teaching

Task-based teaching

Community teaching

Diversity & inclusion

Public speaking

Face-to-face instruction

Education

Master's degree in education/linguistics

Tools

Canvas

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, Indigenous Languages of the West

Job No: 498901

Work Type: Adjunct Faculty

Location: Denver, CO

Categories: Faculty

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 offers study in ten languages and aids the students in experiencing the world through the lens of an acquired language and understand cultures—their own and others—from a position different from their primary language and cultural identification. The linguistic contribution to intercultural competency—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.

Position Summary

The CWLC at the University of Denver invites applications for adjunct faculty to teach courses in Indigenous Languages of the West, including, but not limited to, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, or Ute. This is a part‑time, non‑tenure‑track teaching position.

Teaching load could consist of 1 in‑person undergraduate course per quarter based on candidate's availability and departmental needs, for up to 3 courses per academic year. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience in teaching beginning level indigenous language and culture, versatility in inclusive pedagogy, and proficiency in communicative, task‑based teaching methods. Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence will be strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

Job requirements for undergraduate courses include teaching a 10‑week course on campus in 2 sessions of 110 minutes each per week, creating lesson plans, holding weekly office hours (either on campus or potentially virtually via Zoom video‑conferencing), developing course assessments and evaluating homework, quizzes, and exams including those for program assessment. Candidate will be expected to complete faculty onboarding process.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more Indigenous languages of the West (Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, Ute, or related languages).


• Master's degree in education, second language education, linguistics, or related field. Community teaching credentials or tribal language program certification will be considered as an alternative to this degree requirement.


• Cultural knowledge and connection to the language community strongly preferred; heritage or community‑recognized speakers encouraged to apply.


• 1‑2 years of previous community, high school, or college teaching experience in the United States.


• 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.

Application Deadline

This position will remain open and applications will be pulled and reviewed as necessary. Best consideration date is July 27, 2026, but position is open until filled.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Work Schedule

10‑week sessions with 110‑minute classes meeting two days a week.

Pay Rate

The standard pay for one 4‑credit course during the 2026‑2027 academic year is $5,160.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non‑benefited employees.

Application Documents

1. C.V., cover letter, and a lesson plan for a typical class session for beginners.


2. Names and contact information of three references.

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 based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.

To Apply

Visit https://jobs.du.edu/en-us/job/498901