LPD Job Descriptions

To make the list of LPD responsibilities more concrete, let’s think about them within the context of LPD job descriptions and your own qualifications. Below are six LPD jobs pulled from the 2018-2019 Job List of the Modern Language Association. Click on two or three jobs that look interesting to you, read the description, and then reflect on the questions below.

Reflective questions:

  1. Which of the four LPD sub-roles from the previous page are represented in the job descriptions you read? What specific responsibilities are identified for each sub-role? Do these responsibilities match with the ones you brainstormed on the previous page?
  2. Which job duties do you feel qualified to carry out? What aspects of your professional development have prepared you to carry out these duties?
  3. Which duties do you feel unqualified to carry out? What resources from this and other modules can you use to fill gaps in your professional development?
  4. How would you talk about these duties in a job interview? How would you show interviewers that you are capable of carrying out the work of an LPD?
  5. Which of these jobs (language aside) is the best fit for you? Why?

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Job #1: Lecturer in Arabic Language

We invite applicants for a full-time position as Coordinator and Lecturer III in Arabic Language, pending final budget approval. The Coordinator will provide supervision and leadership for the faculty teaching first through third-year Arabic language. Responsibilities include 6–9 instructional hours per week, active leadership in curricular and program affairs, student advising, and supervision of program faculty (including mentorship for new faculty). This is a non-tenure-track, university-year appointment for an initial three-year period. The appointment is renewable for an additional multi-year period, contingent upon successful performance reviews. Required qualifications are an advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Applied Linguistics and Foreign Language Teaching or equivalent, native or near-native fluency in Standard Arabic, a dialect of Arabic, and English, and extensive experience in teaching various levels of Arabic, at the postsecondary level, using a proficiency-based, communicative methodology. Desired qualifications include previous experience in program coordination, teacher training and materials development; OPI certification; an ability and interest in teaching advanced level courses in Arabic; experience with flipped classrooms; and experience with teaching Arabic using an integrated curriculum of fuSHa and colloquial (as currently represented by the 3rd edition of Al-Kitaab). Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a full benefits package.

Job #2: Senior Lecturer in German

We invite applications for one Senior Lecturer in German. This is a five-year, full-time appointment with the possibility of indefinite renewals based on favorable performance reviews. This position is eligible for benefits and visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities include overseeing the design and implementation of the German language curriculum for the needs of our students; teaching five classes annually; advising students; mentoring lecturers; programmatic administration and service; and conducting, supervising, and disseminating pedagogical research.

Candidates must have at least five years of experience teaching German language, including at least two years in a North American institution of higher education; experience designing curricula and developing pedagogical materials; programmatic experience; and demonstrated engagement in the field of German language pedagogy. Minimum of MA in German language, second language acquisition, or related fields is required. PhDs and educators with experience with language for specific purposes (LSP) are encouraged to apply. Native or near-native proficiency in German and English is required.

Job #3: Assistant Professor of Spanish, Coordinator Lower-Level Spanish Courses

We invite applications for a full time tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor to coordinate the department’s elementary and intermediate Spanish language curriculum (1000 and 2000 levels, approximately 1500 students per academic year) and teach 4 courses per year. The candidate will teach primarily at the undergraduate level (lower-division Spanish language courses) and, occasionally, at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels in field of specialization. Duties include but are not limited to: syllabus and curriculum design; program assessment; recruitment of students and instructors; training and supervision of experienced adjunct Spanish instructors as well as graduate teaching assistants; scheduling courses and labs; working with office staff on enrollment management; planning professional development workshops and actively participating in the department’s Language Learning and Teaching Workshop Series.

Qualifications: PhD in Spanish with specialization in Foreign and /or Heritage Language Education, Language Pedagogy, Second Language Acquisition or Applied Linguistics; experience developing curriculum for Spanish Heritage Learners and Spanish for Specific Purposes; minimum of 5 years college /university level teaching experience using task-based and proficiency-based instructional methods with demonstrated instructional excellence; knowledge of current concepts and methods in foreign language learning and instruction, including those related to online course delivery; experience and/or willingness to teach online courses; familiarity with ACTFL standards and OPI scales; outstanding scholarly potential in field of specialization; outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills as well as demonstrated capacity to provide effective goal-oriented leadership to instructors.

In addition to those qualifications stated above, preference will be given to candidates with previous language-program coordination as well as specialization in testing and assessment practices applied to college/university-level language learning.

Job #4: Assistant Professor/Instructor in Chinese Language

We seek to fill a one-year, full-time instructor or assistant professor in Chinese language teaching. This person will teach three courses per semester. The instructor will teach Chinese language courses at all levels and will be expected to participate in the activities related to the Department. The position will include responsibility for coordinating and supervising teaching assistants. This is a 9-month Academic Year position with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will bring innovative ideas and language program experience to a growing university-level Chinese language program. Familiarity with communicative language teaching is a must. Preference will be given to applicants with online and/or hybrid course teaching experience and an educational technology background. For the qualified applicant, there is the possibility of helping with the existing study abroad programs. Responsibilities include close collaboration in a supportive language community that is comprised of the Center for Language Teaching Advancement, world-renowned study abroad initiatives, and the Asian Studies Center. We welcome applicants who would especially benefit from collaborative opportunities in an interdisciplinary work environment. We favor candidates who can contribute to the College of Arts and Letters’ distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and values diversity and inclusion as essential to achieving excellence.

Job #5: Teaching Assistant Professor

We invite applications for a full-time, non-tenure track position as a Teaching Assistant Professor in French. The position is renewable, contingent on positive performance reviews. Responsibilities include: 1) coordinate the French basic language program, train and supervise graduate teaching assistants; 2) contribute to the teaching needs of the department; 3) participate in curricular development; and 4) promote and support the French undergraduate program. Teaching load: three courses per year in addition to coordination. Required qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in foreign language pedagogy, French Studies or applied linguistics 
  • Native or near-native proficiency in French and English 
  • Teaching, curriculum, and supervisory experience 
  • Knowledge of instructional technologies and teaching methods in foreign language education 
  • Ability to develop and teach undergraduate courses in areas of departmental interests 
  • Demonstrated interest in pursuing research in language pedagogy or any other subfield of French Studies 
  • Commitment to innovation in teaching 
  • Excellent organizational, communicative and collaborative skills