Assistant Teaching Professor in Chinese

JOB TITLE

Assistant Teaching Professor in Chinese

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Humanities & Arts

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Department of Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track teaching faculty position in Chinese to begin in August 2027. While not tenure-eligible, this position is renewable and offers a path to secure continuing contracts.

We are seeking a dedicated language educator who can work both collaboratively and independently and also contribute to WPI’s Global Asia initiatives. The ideal candidate is adaptable, thrives in a dynamic academic environment, and is committed to ongoing professional growth. WPI operates on a distinctive seven-week term schedule, consisting of four terms per academic year. The hired faculty member will teach 8 courses per year (2 courses per term).

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities: 

• Teach 8 courses per academic year: two courses per 7-week term  
• Deliver effective, engaging, and inclusive Chinese language instruction to undergraduate students. 
• Work both collaboratively and independently, contributing to broader departmental and institutional initiatives. 
• Practice innovative pedagogical approaches and deliver instruction based on established best practices. 

Qualifications:  

• Education & Credentials: A Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Second Language Acquisition or a related field is preferred. A highly qualified candidate with a Master's degree may be considered for appointment at the Instructor level. Formal training in teaching Chinese as a foreign language and/or second language acquisition/language education is required.
• Language: Native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and professional-level proficiency in English are required. 
• Teaching Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience teaching Chinese at multiple levels at the college level in the United States is required, as well as familiarity with a variety of teaching methods. 
• Professional Qualities: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, a willingness to adapt and learn, and a clear record of professional growth. 

Application Instructions:  To apply, please submit the following application materials: 

• A cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in the position. 
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV). 
• Two sample syllabi: one for an Elementary Chinese course, one of the candidate’s choosing 

Please submit only the materials listed above. Short-listed candidates may be contacted to submit additional materials, including a teaching portfolio with a statement of teaching philosophy, a 20 - 40-minute teaching demonstration video, and three letters of reference (one of which must be from a teaching supervisor).

Application review will begin October 19 and will continue until filled.

Salary: $78,000 - $82,000. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.