Adjunct Faculty, Indigenous Languages of the West

The University Of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 4,386 - 5,934; Part time

Job summary

The University of Denver invites applications for an Adjunct Faculty member to teach Indigenous Languages of the West, including Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, or Ute. This is a part-time, non-tenure-track teaching position at the Denver campus.

Teaching load may be up to 3 courses per academic year, with 10-week courses consisting of two 110-minute sessions per week, plus office hours, lesson planning and assessments.

Qualifications

• 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 credentials may substitute.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy and serving diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Indigenous Languages of the West (1–3 courses per year).
• Create lesson plans and assessments, and hold weekly office hours (in person or via Zoom).
• Use task-based, communicative teaching methods and engage students in interactions.

Skills

Indigenous language proficiency

Teaching experience

Inclusive pedagogy

Task-based teaching

Face-to-face instruction

Education

Master's degree in education/linguistics

Tools

Canvas

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, Indigenous Languages of the West

Apply now Job no: 498901
Work type: Adjunct Faculty
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Faculty
Division: Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences

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.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Required Application Documents

• C.V., cover letter, and a lesson plan for a typical class session for beginners.
• Names and contact information of three references

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, and ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

Background Check

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

Advertised

July 13, 2026

Applications close

Open until filled