Adjunct Faculty, Indigenous Languages of the West

The Center for World Languages and Cultures (CWLC) promotes engaged learning, teaching, and practice of the world’s languages and cultures; integrates languages and cultures into all disciplines and fields of study; and builds and supports interculturally competent communities through the exploration and experience of languages and cultures at the University of Denver with its local and global communities and partners. Housed in the CWLC, the first-year language program (FYLP) offers study in ten languages and aids the students in experiencing the world through the lens of an acquired language and understand cultures – their own and others – from a position different from their primary language and cultural identification. The linguistic contribution to intercultural competency – that is to say, understanding another culture in the language of that culture and not just through the translations and perspectives of a mother-tongue and culture – is integral to achieving personal, social, and professional successes in a multi-cultural and global future.

Position Summary

The CWLC at the University of Denver invites applications for adjunct faculty to teach courses in Indigenous Languages of the West, including, but not limited to, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, or Ute. This is a part-time, non-tenure-track teaching position.

Teaching load could consist of 1 in-person undergraduate course per quarter based on candidate’s availability and departmental needs, for up to 3 courses per academic year. The ideal candidate demonstrates experience in teaching beginning level indigenous language and culture, versatility in inclusive pedagogy, and proficiency in communicative, task-based teaching methods. Candidates who demonstrate potential for teaching excellence will be strongly preferred.

Essential Functions

Job requirements for undergraduate courses include teaching a 10-week course on campus in 2 sessions of 110 minutes each per week, creating lesson plans, holding weekly office hours (either on campus or potentially virtually via Zoom video-conferencing), developing course assessments and evaluating homework, quizzes, and exams including those for program assessment. Candidate will be expected to complete faculty onboarding process.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more Indigenous languages of the West (Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Navajo, Ute, or related languages).
• Master’s degree in education, second language education, linguistics, or related field. Community teaching credentials or tribal language program certification will be considered as an alternative to this degree requirement.
• Cultural knowledge and connection to the language community strongly preferred; heritage or community-recognized speakers encouraged to apply
• 1-2 years of previous community, high school, or college teaching experience in the United States.
• Evidence of a commitment to incorporate teaching methods to engage diverse student populations effectively.
• Evidence of teaching using task-based, communicative methodologies which prioritize student-student interactions.
• Experience or willingness to learn course management systems such as Canvas.
• Availability to teach classes “face-to-face” in physical classrooms at the University of Denver.

Application Deadline
This position will remain open and applications will be pulled and reviewed as necessary. Best consideration date is July 27, 2026, but position is open until filled.  

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Work Schedule

10-week sessions with 110-minute classes meeting two days a week.

Pay Rate

The standard pay for one 4-credit course during the 2026-2027 academic year is $5,160.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

For full consideration, please include the following documents with your application:

1. C.V., cover letter, and a lesson plan for a typical class session for beginners.
2. Names and contact information of three references

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.