Assistant Professor of Spanish

Central College in Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts college. Central is known for its academic rigor, its leadership formation and, most importantly, for its work creating genuine connections among students, faculty, coaches and alumni that help graduates realize their career aspirations for a lifetime. We are steadfastly dedicated to cultivating diversity of thought and culture through the arts and sciences, professional fields of study and experiential learning. The Central experience is rooted in exploration and self-discovery and enhanced by life in a residential community of 1,150 students with wide-ranging perspectives. Founded in 1853, Central values its long-standing relationship with the Reformed Church in America. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference.

Central's home of Pella, Iowa, is a thriving community of more than 10,000. Pella impressively appears in Oprah's 2021 60 Charming American Towns You Haven't Heard of But Should Visit ASAP. The community is famous for its annual Tulip Time Festival, its Dutch pastries and its fully functional 1850s-style windmill. In fact, Pella has it all! Pella is located just minutes from Red Rock Lake, Iowa's largest lake, and is the corporate headquarters of several international companies, including Vermeer Corporation, Pella Corporation, Precision, Inc., and Lely North America.

Niche.com named Pella one of the Best Places to Raise a Family in Iowa and one of the Best Places to Live in Iowa in 2021.

Read more about our welcome statement and our covenant with the RCA.

Job Description:

Central College seeks an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative faculty member to join a collegial and established program committed to linguistic development, intercultural exchange, and engagement with the diverse cultures of the Hispanophone world.

Teaching responsibilities for this position will typically include 6 courses per year (3 per semester). Courses within the Spanish program may include Spanish language at all levels as well as Hispanic literatures and cultures. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in curriculum development and be able to teach courses required by the College's core curriculum (such as for the College's language requirement and the first-year student course Civitas I). In addition to teaching, all faculty at Central College are expected to participate in the life of the college and to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development.

Requirements:

Candidates should have a PhD (ABD considered) in Spanish or related field. Areas of specialization open. Some professional experience preferred.

Additional Information:

The Language, Literature, and Communication Department consists of the following programs: Communication Studies, English, Spanish, French, and German. The Spanish program offers both a major and a minor. Its faculty believe that intercultural understanding and appreciation should be a fundamental part of a student's education, and the ability to communicate (listen, speak, read and write) in another language is essential for attaining intercultural understanding. Students must learn what members of other cultures consider worth talking about: their historical, artistic and literary heritage; their contemporary political, social and economic problems; and their basic customs and values. Students must also gain an understanding of their own cultural perspective. As a Spanish program within a small, midwestern, liberal arts college, we are committed to fostering a student-centered, inclusive learning environment in which students can develop and strengthen communication skills and insight into important cultural topics. In dialogue with our Engaged Citizen core curriculum, all courses aim to increase language proficiency and cultural awareness by building relationships, reflecting on, and engaging with the world community.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position please visit https://central.edu/job-seekers/. Review of applications will commence 15 September 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates recommended for employment are subject to a background investigation. Please submit the following materials online:

1. a letter of application relating your qualifications to the position. Please discuss your interest in developing as a teacher and scholar at an undergraduate, liberal arts college

2. a curriculum vita

3. copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts

4. a one-page statement of teaching philosophy

Three confidential letters of reference addressing the candidate's qualifications and official transcripts can be sent electronically to centraldean@central.edu or mailed to: Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty, Central College, 812 University, Pella, Iowa 50219.

Central College is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a diverse community. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Central College is a drug/tobacco free workplace. Academic positions at Central College use E-verify.