The Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department is seeking a Lecturer who specializes in Community-Based Pedagogies preferably with expertise in U.S. Latino Caribbean Central American or Mexican cultures. Candidates must hold a PhD in Spanish Hispanic Studies Latin American Studies Latino Studies or a related field. Candidates with PhD in hand will be prioritized. Candidates who will defend their dissertation by August 2026 will be considered. Native or near-native fluency in Spanish required. English language proficiency must be sufficient to communicate effectively with campus and community partners.
Lecturer positions are renewable with a contract period of three years. Opportunities for promotion to Senior Lecturer (with renewable five-year contracts) occur after six years. Teaching load is six courses per year along with co-curricular responsibilities and the expectation of student advising College service and departmental service including curricular development student engagement placement advising and recruitment activities.
Strong Spanish language teaching skills and experience at all levels required. We seek candidates who also have ample experience teaching and designing courses with community-based components and/or collaborating with community partners. Ability to contribute courses to 250-299 300 and 400 levels that complement our current offerings is a plus. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise to develop courses in Spanish and English on U.S. Latino Caribbean Central American or Mexican cultures. Candidates with experience teaching Heritage learners preferred.
Co-curricular responsibilities will focus on liaising with Community Engagement and Outreach the Career Center other academic departments and local organizations and businesses to build and coordinate a consistent program of offerings and real-world career-adjacent opportunities that connect students and the departments curriculum to local Spanish-speaking communities. We will look for evidence of candidates interest in and ability to engage students in learning outside the classroom including but not limited to diverse approaches to experiential or applied learning opportunities. Candidates with experience that will prepare them to design and coordinate community engagement opportunities for the department will be prioritized.
Union College offers many opportunities for both faculty and students to engage with multiple disciplines - and each other - in collaborative classroom settings innovative majors and minors and unique initiatives. We encourage candidates who can offer interdisciplinary courses especially those that intersect with Latin American and Caribbean Studies and/or other interdisciplinary programs. We ask that candidates explain their interest in working at a small liberal arts college and in New Yorks Capital District and the Schenectady community. A successful applicant will demonstrate interest in working closely with undergraduate students and in departmental curricular development that is forward-thinking creative and interdisciplinary.
About the Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department:
The Spanish and Hispanic Studies program recently became an independent department. Spanish is among the top five most popular minors at Union College. We are a dynamic and energized group that welcomes bold curricular experimentation. We hope our new lecturer will help us build on our success through the development of community-based opportunities for our students.
Application instructions:
Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered:
Curriculum vitae
Letter of interest
Teaching statement that includes a discussion of the candidates commitment to inclusion in both collaborations with community partners and teaching a diverse student body
Graduate transcripts
Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the following:
Contact information for three professional references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation speaking to the applicants abilities in teaching Spanish courses at various levels; experience with community-based pedagogies or community work; expertise in U.S. Latino and/or Latin American cultures
Two sample syllabi for classes you would be prepared to teach at Union at any level from intermediate to 400 (fourth year) at least one of which includes a community-based component
Please send questions and other inquiries to Stephanie Mueller Associate Professor and Chair of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $68500-$70500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors including but not limited to departmental budgets qualifications experience education licenses specialty and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady NY
We offer exceptional benefits including:
Healthcare Dental and Vision Insurance(Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
Employee Scholarships toward Certifications Seminars Training and Professional Development
Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
Tuition programs
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education employment and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation:Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).
Required Experience:
IC