The Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a full-time LEO Lecturer III position to begin September 1, 2019 pending authorization. This is a non-tenure track position with a university year appointment period (September 1 through May 31), and may be renewed annually. Renewal is contingent upon programmatic need, funding, and performance review based on excellence in classroom teaching, curricular development and administrative service.

The Frankel Center has a longstanding commitment to Yiddish, and includes several faculty members who research and teach on different aspects of Yiddish literature and culture.  A typical full-time (100%) load for a Lecturer III in the College of LSA is three (3) courses per semester, or the equivalent in administrative and/or service duties.  The successful candidate for this position will have a 3-2 teaching load, consisting of introductory and intermediate Yiddish language and an additional course in language and/or culture. We expect a firm and demonstrated commitment to employing innovative and dynamic pedagogy and to exploring novel ways to study Yiddish at the university level in an effort to increase enrollment in the language.  In addition, the candidate will be responsible for administrative duties (16% of position) including conducting internal and external outreach aimed at the recruitment of students, enhancing Yiddish language pedagogy in accordance with best practices, and developing new Yiddish language curricula, methods of assessment, and metrics of proficiency. Outreach activities include administering extra-curricular opportunities for Yiddish enrichment, such as the existing weekly Yiddish reading group; developing additional enrichment activities, such as Yiddish table; and conducting recruitment activities on campus and beyond.

Qualified applicants should have at least an M.A. in a related field, a range of instructional expertise and fluency in the Yiddish language. Applicants should also have a strong knowledge of Yiddish literature and culture.  Excellence in teaching and instructional service will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.

Please send letter of application, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, evidence of teaching excellence, samples of syllabi and instructional materials, the names of three referees, to Jeffrey Veidlinger, Director, Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, University of Michigan, 202 South Thayer Street, Suite 2111, Ann Arbor MI 48104.  Please submit materials via email to [email protected].

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the University of Michigan and the Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO).

Offers for this appointment are contingent on successful completion of a background screening. 

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.