Lecturer & Teaching Specialist: German, Nordic & Dutch

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; Full time

Job description

About The Job

The Department of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch maintains a pool of lecturers and teaching specialists to teach German, Scandinavian and Dutch courses, mostly lower‑division language skills courses, that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate teaching assistants. Responsibilities include preparing for and conducting classes, holding office hours to assist and advise students, turning in grades in a timely manner, responding to student and department inquiries, participating in relevant training and meetings, and turning in student evaluations. Participation in Orientation Week is required for fall positions. Continued personal growth within the profession, keeping current with the field and broadening knowledge and expertise, is expected. Some language sections will require the development of an online option so that students can participate remotely. Teaching one course per semester is 34 %; teaching two courses per semester is 68 %; teaching two courses and assisting with another course is 84 %; teaching three courses per semester is 100 %.

Position #s: 277771 (Lecturer); 284214 (Teaching Specialist)

This posting does not constitute a vacancy, but establishes a pool of applicants so that openings during the 2026/27 academic year can be filled on an as‑needed basis.

Required Qualifications

• M.A. degree or foreign equivalent, or ABD in the relevant language, Foreign Language Education, or a related field.
• Native or near-native fluency in the relevant language.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality teaching and program development.
• For German: two years of postsecondary teaching experience in German language.
• For Scandinavian or Dutch: one year of teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree or foreign equivalent in the relevant language, Foreign Language Education, or a related field.
• A strong background (e.g., coursework, publications) in foreign language education, second language acquisition, or technology‑enhanced teaching.
• Positive evaluations from students, peers, and/or supervisors.
• For Scandinavian or Dutch: two years of postsecondary teaching experience in the relevant language.

Applicants with an M.A. will be appointed as Teaching Specialists. Those with a Ph.D. will be appointed at the Lecturer level.

Pay and Benefits

• Undergraduate credit courses: $1,500 per credit minimum (Teaching Specialists) / $1,600 per credit minimum (Lecturers).
• Undergraduate credit courses: $7,500 per course minimum (Teaching Specialists) / $8,000 per course minimum (Lecturers). This rate applies to all 3‑5 credit undergraduate courses.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.

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.

Diversity and Equality

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.