"2025-26 Lecturer or Teaching Specialist: Creative Writing"

About the Job

The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts is accepting applications for lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that may occur in Fall 2025 (August 25, 2025 - January 7, 2026); or Spring 2026 (January 8, 2026 - May 24, 2026). The English Department occasionally needs lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty members or graduate students. This does not constitute a posting for vacancies but establishes a pool of instructors if such openings occur during the 2025/26 academic year. Applicants may be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year.

Teaching may be for day or evening courses, and primarily will be for in-person instruction. Appointments may or may not be renewable based on need, funding, and performance. Courses are primarily introductory undergraduate courses.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare for and teach classes in ways that best help students to learn
• Create Canvas course sites and syllabi that conform to department and University policies
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in field of practice
• Hold regular office hours that are clearly announced in advance
• Respond to student needs and questions professionally and in a timely manner
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades
• Communicate instructor evaluation process to students
• Receive department and University emails and respond in a timely manner
• Understand and follow all relevant University policies and procedures and participate in trainings, as required
• Participate in relevant departmental meetings
• Submit annual review materials

Qualifications

Lecturer

Required qualifications:

• MFA, Ph.D. or related terminal degree
• A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications:

• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature
• One published book or book in press

Teaching Specialist

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in English or a closely related field
• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature
• One published book or book in press

About the Department

The Department of English serves approximately 400 majors and thousands of University of Minnesota undergraduate students. The teaching, scholarship and other creative work of the English faculty covers a broad range that includes literature, language, creative writing, literacy and rhetorical studies, linguistics and cultural inquiry, as well as the theories and documents that inform and critique these disciplines. For additional information, please see our website at http://english.cla.umn.edu/.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:

• Lecturers: $6500-9000 per course; depending on education/qualifications/experience
• Teaching specialist: $6500-8000 per course; depending on education/qualifications/experience

While our salary ranges provide a framework, most of the time, the initial pay will be closer to the lower end of the range.

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% 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 and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online and will be reviewed on an as needed basis.

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.

Please attach the following three required documents:

1. Cover letter indicating your areas of research, creative activity, and teaching experience, including discussion of how your pedagogical practice would help advance the program’s equity, diversity and inclusivity goals.
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for three professional references

Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when such openings occur throughout the academic year.

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