Assistant Teaching Professor in Chinese
Description
JOB TITLE
Assistant Teaching Professor in Chinese
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Humanities & Arts
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Department of Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track teaching faculty position in Chinese to begin in August 2027. While not tenure-eligible, this position is renewable and offers a path to secure continuing contracts.
We are seeking a dedicated language educator who can work both collaboratively and independently and also contribute to WPI’s Global Asia initiatives. The ideal candidate is adaptable, thrives in a dynamic academic environment, and is committed to ongoing professional growth. WPI operates on a distinctive seven-week term schedule, consisting of four terms per academic year. The hired faculty member will teach 8 courses per year (2 courses per term).
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
- Teach 8 courses per academic year: two courses per 7-week term
- Deliver effective, engaging, and inclusive Chinese language instruction to undergraduate students.
- Work both collaboratively and independently, contributing to broader departmental and institutional initiatives.
- Practice innovative pedagogical approaches and deliver instruction based on established best practices.
Qualifications:
- Education & Credentials: A Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Second Language Acquisition or a related field is preferred. A highly qualified candidate with a Master's degree may be considered for appointment at the Instructor level. Formal training in teaching Chinese as a foreign language and/or second language acquisition/language education is required.
- Language: Native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and professional-level proficiency in English are required.
- Teaching Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience teaching Chinese at multiple levels at the college level in the United States is required, as well as familiarity with a variety of teaching methods.
- Professional Qualities: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, a willingness to adapt and learn, and a clear record of professional growth.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in the position.
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two sample syllabi: one for an Elementary Chinese course, one of the candidate’s choosing
Please submit only the materials listed above. Short-listed candidates may be contacted to submit additional materials, including a teaching portfolio with a statement of teaching philosophy, a 20 - 40-minute teaching demonstration video, and three letters of reference (one of which must be from a teaching supervisor).
Application review will begin October 19 and will continue until filled.
Salary: $78,000 - $82,000. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)