Assistant Professor of English, Poetry Writing specialization

Job Purpose: The English department at Tennessee Technological University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Poetry Writing to join us as a teacher, scholar, and working poet and writer/artist.  

Essential Functions: Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate Creative Writing, General Education, and occasional upper-division English courses, with likely load-reduction for scholarship/creative activity. The department has established Creative Writing concentrations in our B.A. and M.A. programs, in both of which the successful applicant will teach. General Education classes include sophomore-level literature and/or composition offerings. Excellent teaching, peer-reviewed publications, professional activities, and department/university service are required for tenure and promotion. 

Minimum Qualifications: Earned M.F.A. or Ph.D. in English at the time of appointment required, as is specialization in Poetry Writing as evidenced through terminal creative thesis, dissertation, or one or more poetry books from a publisher with a national reputation. College-level teaching experience required, as is an active publication record as a poet and proven ability to teach poetry in literature classes.  

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred additional areas of expertise include digital media; playwrighting/screenwriting/performance; poetics/poetry criticism; and/or small press/literary magazine publishing. Experience teaching college-level Creative Writing in poetry or multi-genre classes is also preferred. Our program amenities include an annual, student-produced literary magazine, Iris Review; involvement in selecting visiting writers through our Center Stage program; and an active Creative Writing Club. Additional concentrations in the English major include Language and Rhetoric, Literature, Professional and Technical Communication, and Theatre. 

Special Instructions: Applicants will apply online at https://jobs.tntech.edu  and upload: 1) letter of application describing the qualifications listed above; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of teaching philosophy; 4) copies of all graduate and undergraduate transcripts (official transcripts required if hired); 5) email addresses of three professional references familiar with candidate’s teaching and publication record, who will be contacted via email to provide a reference letter; 6) poetry writing sample (15 pp. maximum); 7) recent teaching evaluations. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered. The search committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. 

Tennessee Tech provides impact through its engaged students, dedicated faculty, and career-ready graduates known for their creativity, tenacity, and analytical approach to problem solving. As a STEM-infused, comprehensive institution, Tennessee Tech delivers enduring education, impactful research, and collaborative service that creates, advances, and applies knowledge to expand opportunity and economic competitiveness.

Tennessee Tech is committed to a diverse workforce by fostering an inclusive work environment for students, faculty, and staff. Successful candidates should have a demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.


Similar searches: Full-time, 4-year college or university, Creative writing, English, Professor, Assistant, Tennessee