Assistant Teaching Professor in Chinese

About the role

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.

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.

Pay

Salary: $78,000 - $82,000. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity.

Benefits

WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more.

Schedule

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).