Lecturer, English Department

Position Number: 1P0000

Title: Lecturer, English Department

Functional Title: Lecturer, English Department

Category Status: 03-Faculty-Non-Tenured,Term Contr

Applicant Search Category: Faculty

University Authorized FTE: 

Unit: ARHU-English

Hiring Range Minimum: 

Hiring Range Maximum: 

Campus/College Information: 

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks 

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Vaccine Protocol

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:The Academic Writing Program (AWP) and the Professional Writing Program (PWP) at the University of Maryland, College Park, seek lecturers for the Fall 2023 semester. We are particularly interested in lecturers who can teach Professional Writing courses, including Technical Writing; Business Writing; Writing About Economics; Writing for Non-Profit Organizations; and Writing Case Studies and Investigative Reports. Lecturers may also teach one or more of the following courses: First-year Academic Writing (ENGL101); Writing for Health Professions; and Legal Writing. Lecturers can teach up to four courses per term. Please note that all courses will be taught in person on the College Park campus.

Both the Academic Writing Program and Professional Writing Program are housed in and administered by the Department of English, and these programs are responsible for the courses that meet the university’s two Fundamental Studies Writing requirements. The Academic Writing course teaches students how to participate thoughtfully, critically, and persuasively in academic conversations, while Professional Writing courses teach the research, analysis, writing, and language skills that students will need in their lives beyond the classroom.

Lecturers are directly responsible for teaching each 19-student class assigned to them. They design and teach interactive class lessons that help students learn how to plan, develop, compose, and revise each major writing project, and they grade and respond to student writing (at least five major projects per semester, each returned within two weeks of submission). Lecturers hold weekly office hours (at least one hour each week per each course being taught) and respond in a timely fashion to student questions and concerns.

First-time lecturers are issued a standard syllabus and writing assignments for the course, which they are able to adapt in order to build on the experiences and expertise they bring to the particular course. Lecturers also participate in their respective writing program’s day-long professional development day before the semester begins and attend weekly (AWP) or biweekly (PWP) mentoring sessions with the program director or administrative fellows.

Lecturers who teach two or more courses are benefits-eligible.

Minimum Qualifications:In compliance with the University System of Maryland Policy on Appointment, Rank, and Tenure of Faculty and the College of Arts and Humanities Professional Track Faculty Appointment, Evaluation, and Promotion Procedures, the Department of English’s minimum criteria for appointment of instructional professional track faculty in the Academic Writing Program and Professional Writing Program is:

Education and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in the field of instruction or related field and demonstrated successful teaching at the college level and/or relevant professional experience (as determined by the Director of Academic Writing and Professional Writing).

Criteria for evaluating candidates will include the following:

• Evidence of success in teaching undergraduate students.
• Evidence of expertise that complements or contributes to AWP and PWP’s delivery of undergraduate writing courses.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the diversity mission of AWP and PWP, the Department of English, and the University of Maryland.

Preferences:Preferences:

• Demonstrated ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into teaching.

Additional Certifications: 

Additional Information: 

All professional track and adjunct faculty shall be hired through formal, transparent, and systematic processes.

The candidate shall submit:

1. An application letter
2. A current CV
3. The names and contact information for three references
4. Sample teaching materials, i.e., course syllabi and course evaluations

In their application letter, candidates should describe their experiences with diversity in their teaching or service and their potential to support the Academic Writing Program’s and/or Professional Writing Program’s commitment to diversity. Candidates should discuss their experiences both in educating a culturally diverse student population as well as in helping them prepare for work within diverse workplaces and for communicating for and to diverse communities.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on Monday, May 27, 2024, and will conduct interviews shortly thereafter. We will acknowledge all applications, and we will also accept applications until the positions are filled.

Nominations of outstanding potential candidates are welcome.

Diversity is a core value and foundational concept of the Academic Writing and Professional Writing Programs. We are currently developing teaching strategies to help our increasingly diverse undergraduate student body explore a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, define, and deliver solutions. The Academic Writing and Professional Writing Programs prepare students to work in an increasingly global society by promoting inclusion and equity for all individuals.

Posting Date: 05/09/2024

Closing Date: 

Open Until Filled Yes

Best Consideration Date 05/24/2024

Physical Demands 

Diversity Statement: 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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