JPN Teaching Specialist

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies invites applications for a part-time instructor of Japanese for the 2025-26 academic year 8/25/25-5/24/26. This 67.5% position is annually renewable based on need, funding, and performance. Teaching load is two courses per semester.

Teaching Specialist (job code 9754)

Responsibilities:
1. Teach undergraduate courses as needed, conditional on qualifications.
2. Provide administrative support relating to teaching duties and course responsibilities, when appropriate to the appointment.
3. Assist with test development and/or administration.
4. Coordinate and mentor Teaching Assistants, P&A academic staff, Graduate Instructors, and CIS instructors, when appropriate to the appointment. This responsibility may include presenting workshops as needed for course coordination.
5. Serve as member of appropriate departmental and university committees if called upon to do so.
6. Engage in professional development activities.

Performance standards:
1. Positive evaluations from students, Teaching Assistants (if appropriate), peers, and supervisors.
2. Demonstration of commitment to quality teaching, program development, and professional development.
3. Effective handling of student inquiries.

Position begins Fall semester 2025.

For more information about the Japanese Program in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies please visit https://www.cla.umn.edu/japanese

Qualifications

Required qualifications for appointment to rank:

• Native or near-native fluency in Japanese. Minimum 2 years university-level teaching experience in Japanese. Demonstrated ability to lead communicative, student-centered classrooms.
• Positive evaluations from students, peers, and/or supervisors.
• Demonstration of commitment to quality teaching and program development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong English language communication skills. Collegiality and ability to work in a team.
• M.A. or foreign equivalent or ABD in Japanese, or related field, including but not limited to Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Second or Foreign Language Education, or Japanese linguistics.
• Candidates with a completed Ph.D. will be appointed as Lecturer.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $33,750 – $40,500 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50%-74% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Retirement plans
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. Applicants must submit the following materials:

(1) Cover letter explaining your interest in this position along with your qualifications and experience
(2) Current Curriculum Vitae with names and contact information of three references who are prepared to submit letters of recommendation
(3) Statement of teaching philosophy
(4) Teaching materials such as syllabi, sample class materials, and/or teaching evaluations
(5) A 30-minute video-recorded teaching demonstration

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications due: March 21, 2025.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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 is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).