Instructor in Japanese

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

Description

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at Washington & Lee University invites applications for a two-year Japanese language specialist as Instructor in Japanese to begin July 2026, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. This position carries a 6-course teaching load distributed over Fall and Winter terms (12 weeks each), and the university’s signature 4-week Spring Term. We are searching for a candidate who is able to teach all levels of Japanese language and who can collaborate closely in a team-teaching environment. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience teaching Business Japanese and who can incorporate this topic in the Japanese language course sequence.

Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for vigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University’s mission and Strategic Plan.

Qualifications

The ideal applicant should have a M.A. or higher degree with native or near-native fluency in Japanese and English, a demonstrated success teaching at the college/university level in the U.S., commitment to world language instruction, competence in developing teaching materials, a familiarity with language-learning technology, ability to offer one course in English during the spring term, and a willingness to create opportunities for use of Japanese outside the classroom. Primary responsibilities include the teaching of Japanese at all levels.

Application Instructions

We will begin to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and priority will be given to applications received by November 21, 2025. Candidates should submit a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, graduate transcript, statement on teaching philosophy and professional goals, sample syllabi from two different levels of language, most recent teaching evaluations, and three confidential letters of recommendation to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/176779. In addition, please provide an online link to a teaching demo video, if available, of approximately 30 minutes in length.

For any questions about the search, contact Janet Ikeda at ikedaj@wlu.edu.