University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies

Yiddish Lecturer III

The Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a full-time Lecturer III position to begin September 1, 2016, 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, for up to three years. Renewal is contingent upon programmatic need, funding, and performance review based on excellence in classroom teaching, curricular development and administrative service.  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 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. The successful candidate will have a 3-2 teaching load, consisting of introductory and intermediate Yiddish language and an additional course in Yiddish 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 advising of all students in the Yiddish minor and conducting internal and external outreach aimed at the recruitment of students of Yiddish. 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.

Candidates should send an electronic application via email attachments (in PDF format) to Jeffrey Veidlinger, Director, Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, University of Michigan, 202 S. Thayer St., Suite 2111, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 at JudaicStudies@umich.edu.  The dossier should include:

• letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• statement of teaching philosophy and experience
• evidence of teaching excellence
• 2 sample syllabi and sample instructional materials
• three letters of recommendations

Review of applications will commence on May 1, 2016 and the anticipated date by which an offer will be made is June 30, 2016.

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.

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