Lecturer/Teaching Specialist, Department of Writing Studies

Job Details

About the Job

The Department of Writing Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs teaching specialists or lecturers to teach courses that cannot be staffed by full time faculty or graduate students. This includes upper and lower division courses, including First-Year Writing (some sections of which may be dedicated to non-Native Speakers of English) and advanced writing courses at the 3XXX, 4XXX and 5XXX level. All First-Year Writing courses will be in a blended (in person and online) modality and advanced writing courses are offered in an in person, blended, or an online asynchronous modality.

The courses we most often need instructors for are:

• WRIT 1301 University Writing (First-Year Writing): This course introduces students to rhetorical principles that provide a framework for successful written communication in college and beyond. Students study and write in a variety of genres and disciplines, and in multimodal forms. The courses focus on writing as a way of knowing and learning to develop ideas through critical thinking, including analysis and synthesis. Based on the assumption that writing is a social activity, the course is a workshop format and requires active engagement in the writing process, including pre-writing, peer review, revision, and editing. Students develop information literacy and hone the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively and ethically incorporate information into their own texts.
• WRIT 3029W Business and Professional Writing: In this course students practice writing and revising common business documents for today’s business world. Students write memos, proposals, cover letters, resumes, and digital and web content as well as practice choice of appropriate formats and media. The course draws from current business practices and stresses workplace collaboration, broader issues of professional literacy, and responsive writing styles. Students practice rhetorical analysis and discuss concepts such as audience, purpose, tone, and context when writing and revising their documents. Students analyze and write from a variety of perspectives and contexts including formal (researched reports, proposals) and informal (email, social media) communication. Students also build a professional online presence through such platforms as LinkedIn.
• WRIT 3562W Technical and Professional Writing: This course introduces students to technical and professional writing through various readings and assignments in which students analyze and create texts that work to communicate complex information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Students gain knowledge of workplace genres as well as to develop skills in composing such genres. This course allows students to practice rhetorically analyzing writing situations and composing genres such as memos, proposals, instructions, research reports, and presentations. Students work in teams to develop collaborative content and to compose in a variety of modes including text, graphics, video, audio, and digital. Students also conduct both primary and secondary research and practice usability testing. The course emphasizes creating documents that are goal-driven and appropriate for a specific context and audience.

These positions are temporary and for a single semester teaching in person and/or online courses. These positions are contingent upon student enrollment and availability of funding. Additional semesters may be available based on need, funding, and performance.

This does not constitute a posting for vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should an opening become available for the 2025/2026 academic year. Applicants will only be reviewed when a specific area of expertise is sought, and we will not be contacting applicants unless this occurs. All applications are kept on file until May 24, 2026.

Teaching specialists and lecturers will be expected to teach undergraduate or graduate students in assigned course(s), hold office hours to assist and advise students, and participate in relevant departmental meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• To be hired as a Teaching Specialist, an MA in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, Composition, English, or a literacy-related field is required.
• To be hired as a Lecturer, a PhD (or MFA or terminal MA in TESOL) in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, Composition, English, or a literacy-related field is required.
• Classroom experience in the area of hire at secondary or college level.
• Ability to work with and teach diverse populations

About the Department

The Department of Writing Studies provides First-Year Writing courses required for all University students, a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical and Written Communication, an undergraduate certificate in Technical Communication, an MA degree and a doctorate degree in Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication, and an MS degree in Scientific and Technical Communication. The Center for Writing provides in-person and online writing consultations for university students.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $6,500 total salary for a three-credit course, $8,500 total salary for a four-credit course; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

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.

For applying please submit the following items:

• Cover letter outlining qualifications, the course(s) you are interested in teaching, modalities you have taught in, and related teaching experience.
• Curriculum Vitae or resume.

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).