AY26-27 Adjunct Instructor of Spanish

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 62,000 - 103,000; Part time

Job summary

Portland State University in Portland, OR is seeking adjunct instructors to teach First-, Second-, and/or Third-year Spanish courses as part of the part-time adjunct pool. Instructors collaborate with the Spanish Section to deliver communicative, proficiency-oriented instruction and support student learning outcomes.

Responsibilities include delivering engaging lessons, assessing student performance, maintaining office hours, and participating in professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Spanish or equivalent required.
• At least two years of college-level teaching experience in Spanish.
• Native or near-native fluency in Spanish and English.
• Resident of Oregon or SW Washington.

Responsibilities

• Teach First‑, Second‑ and/or Third‑Year Spanish courses as needed.
• Support students in achieving learning outcomes.
• Present concepts clearly and provide constructive feedback.
• Create an inclusive learning environment for diverse students.
• Evaluate student learning and provide academic support as needed.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff within the Spanish Section.
• Maintain regular communication with students and coordinators.
• Post and keep office hours for students outside of class.
• Participate in professional development activities.

Skills

Native/near-native Spanish

Native/near-native English

Independent work

Strong communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Spanish/related field

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Portland State University

Position Details

Proposed Start Date: 12/16/2026

Working Title: AY26-27 Adjunct Instructor of Spanish

Department: 221000 - FLL Foreign Languages

Position Number: D97751-00

Representation: AP - AFT, Local 3571

Position Summary

The Department of World Languages and Literatures plays a central role in preparing the students of Portland State University to function in the global community. Because we believe that language is central to that ability, we offer instruction in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Norwegian, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Vietnamese. The Department is committed to teaching for proficiency. All of our language classes are designed to develop functional skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for eventual use in a broad variety of real-world settings.

The Spanish program in the Department of World Languages and Literatures at Portland State University invites applicants to join our part‑time adjunct instructor pool. Depending on the needs of the program, an adjunct may teach First‑, Second‑ and/or Third‑year Spanish courses. Each course follows a set program designed by its coordinator, and our instructors collaborate to share classroom materials and activities, as well as to continue our professional development as language instructors. Our courses are communicative in nature, and our priority is to support our students in achieving their academic and language goals, and to share our enthusiasm for Spanish language and culture.

Possible sections needing instructors:

Winter

101 MW 1100 – 1240

Spring:

101 MW 1100 – 1240

103‑TR 1330 – 1510

• Teach courses in the First‑, Second‑ and/or Third‑Year Spanish sequences according to the needs of the program, following the program established by the language‑level Coordinator.
• Support students in achieving the established learning outcomes.
• Present concepts to students in a clear, coherent manner, and provide constructive feedback in a timely manner.
• Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students of diverse cultural, economic, social and educational backgrounds.
• Evaluate student learning in accordance with the course design, and provide academic support and counseling as needed.
• Collaborate with other faculty and staff within the Spanish Section to support student success.
• Maintain regular communication with students as directed by the Coordinator(s).
• Support section efforts to recruit and retain students, as well as place them appropriately.
• Post and keep office hours to be available to your students outside of class.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Maintain active communication and cooperation with first‑, second‑and/or third‑year Spanish Coordinators, including meeting as needed.
• Complete instructional duties, including grade reports and any other required paperwork, in a timely manner.
• Comply with all department and university policies.

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Spanish, Spanish Linguistics, Spanish Literature, or equivalent degree
• At least two years experience teaching Spanish at the college level, preferably at a four‑year university
• Native or near‑native fluency in Spanish and in English
• Ability to complete all required tasks without continued direct supervision
• Resident of Oregon or SW Washington

• International experience in a Spanish‑speaking country
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and utilize other pedagogical strategies in order to meet the needs of a diverse student population
• Experience incorporating online materials in teaching language
• Experience teaching upper‑division courses is preferred for a 300‑level course assignment.
• Experience developing and implementing communicative, student‑centered, and proficiency‑oriented activities for teaching Spanish to adults
• Membership in MLA, ACTFL, COFLT, or other related professional association

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct.

Adjunct faculty members are paid per credit hour per the PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement, which can be found at: https://www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/academic-unions#psufa.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Are you interested teaching at the first-year Spanish level?

   (Open Ended Question)

2. Are you interested teaching at the second-year Spanish level?

   (Open Ended Question)

3. Are you interested teaching at the third-year Spanish level?

   (Open Ended Question)

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI287728259