Job Description

The Department of African American & African Studies is looking for a full-time lecturer and/or teaching specialist to teach and lead the Somali program, focusing on the teaching of lower, intermediate, and potentially advanced division language skills courses, with the possibility of creating an upper-level content course. This position is a one - year renewable appointment. Responsibilities include developing the curriculum for and conducting Somali language classes, designing materials and assessments, 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 strengthening and growing our community engagement and cultural immersion with the Somali community in the Twin Cities. Participation in Orientation Week is required. Continued personal growth within the profession, keeping current with the field and broadening knowledge and expertise, is expected. The teaching load is three courses (or their equivalent) per semester.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

M.A. degree or foreign equivalent or ABD in a foreign language; a degree in Foreign Language Education or English as a Second Language Education; or a related field. Native or near native fluency in the Somali language. Demonstration of commitment to quality teaching and program development. At least one year of postsecondary experience teaching a foreign language and/or Somali language.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. degree or foreign equivalent in a foreign language, Foreign Language Education or English as a Second Language Education, or a related field. A strong background (e.g., coursework, publications) in foreign language education, second language acquisition, curriculum and instruction, and/or technology-enhanced teaching are preferred. Also preferred are the following: positive evaluations from students, peers and/or supervisors; at least two years of postsecondary experience teaching 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. 

As one of the few departments at a major research university teaching Somali language, the Department of African American & African Studies serves undergraduate, graduate, and other university students. Our language program offers courses in Swahili and Somali. Innovative teaching materials and instructional technologies are an integral part of the language curriculum. More information at: https://cla.umn.edu/gnsd

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for a 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 required documents. 

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.

Initial review of applications will be February 19, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Here are the following required documents to upload as Attachments.

1.  Cover letter (approximately 2 pages)
2. CV
3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2 pages).

In addition, three letters of recommendation are required and should be sent separately by e-mail to aaashire@umn.edu

Here are the following optional documents. Please upload as additional Attachments with the titles of the documents saved in the subject line. 

1. If you have access to them, please submit relevant teaching evaluations.
2. If you have created a teaching syllabus for high school and/or postsecondary courses, please attach relevant course syllabi.

Additional materials may also be requested from candidates at a future date. 

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

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

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

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).