Position Description
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) invites applications for a teaching faculty position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor of Writing Studies, to join the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communication (CAC) in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS). We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.
This is a full-time (100% FTE) position with a 9-month service period (starting September 16 and ending June 15, each year) with an expected start date of September 16, 2027. The initial appointment will be for a three-year term, eligible for reappointment after successful academic review.
The base salary range for this position will be $8,444 to $9,000 per month ($76,000 to $81,000 per 9-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
The successful candidate will be expected to perform highly effective and inclusive teaching, using a variety of pedagogical techniques and technologies, in an urban-serving campus environment. Faculty at UWT are expected to teach in multiple modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
The expected teaching load for this position is set at a level equivalent to seven (7) standard courses per academic year. The successful candidate will be expected to teach lower-division rhetoric and composition courses such as the following: TCORE 101: Introduction to Academic Writing and TWRT 100-200 level courses such as the stretch model TWRT 120/121: Academic Writing I & II and TWRT 211: Argument and Research in Writing. Other courses may be assigned based on departmental needs. For descriptions of the composition and writing courses, see: http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/twrt.html.
The successful candidate will be expected to engage in scholarly and professional activities that support and enhance their teaching, including the development of a pedagogical agenda that demonstrates leadership in writing studies, rhetoric, and/or composition. This may include scholarship of teaching and learning, curriculum development as well as publication and/or presentation of pedagogically-focused work.
Service expectations include participating in school and campus committees, contributing to major and division governance, and supporting unit-specific activities.
The successful candidate will be expected to work with students with varying backgrounds, perspectives, and experience. The successful candidate will also be expected to support the Department's commitment to mentoring and student engagement, and offer support for students and student organizations, who are eager to further UW Tacoma’s mission.
About the Tacoma Campus and the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communication
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) is a growing, urban-servicing university that is deeply invested in its local communities. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UWT is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship, and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. Consistent with the institution’s urban-serving mission, UWT provides a unique environment for faculty to creatively develop their teaching, scholarship, and service portfolios, and to engage with the Tacoma community. UWT’s commitment to access is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty, and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at UW Tacoma is comprised of three academic departments, among the seven schools that make up the UWT campus. The mission of the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communications (CAC) is to explore, express, and elevate the arts and humanities, to transform our students with the creative force of lifelong learning tools for any thriving career. More information about our majors, minors, and our faculty is available on our website at https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sias/cac.
Qualifications
Applicants for this teaching faculty position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Composition/Rhetoric or a related field. A PhD degree (or foreign equivalent) in Composition/Rhetoric or a related field is also acceptable.
- Expertise in lower-division composition curriculum development and student engagement, and at least three years of college or university teaching experience.
Application Instructions
First consideration of applications will begin on October 15, 2026. Priority will be given to those applications received by that date. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio: The position will remain open until filled.
Applications must include the following materials:
- A cover letter, providing an overview of your teaching background, how you meet the minimum qualifications, and your experience teaching rhetoric, composition, and/or writing studies in diverse educational contexts. Please also describe how your teaching and service have supported students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education, or how your future work will further UW Tacoma's commitment to diversity and access for all students. (1-2 pages)
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught, their frequency, and your role in each course (e.g., primary instructor vs. teaching assistant), along with any relevant academic, professional, and community service roles.
- A teaching statement, describing your teaching philosophy, including methods and high-impact practices you use (or intend to use) to support student learning for students from a variety of preparations and backgrounds, and examples of how you would incorporate these into rhetoric and composition courses at an urban-serving institution. (1-2 pages)
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness. This portfolio might include: sample syllabi and assignments, quantitative and/or qualitative student evaluations, peer teaching evaluations, and/or other materials that demonstrate your impact in the classroom. Material related to rhetoric and composition is encouraged.
- Names and contact information for three professional references, with letters available upon request.
Throughout these materials, applicants are encouraged to articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in teaching, scholarship of teaching and learning, mentoring, and/or service to promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive academic environment.
Specific inquiries should be directed to the search committee Chair, Riki Thompson at rikitiki@uw.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81: https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information: https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/
Privacy Notice
Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.
Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.