Job description
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures – Spanish at Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Spanish with a specialization in Spanish as a Heritage Language, beginning in August 2026. Faculty at Southwestern are expected to teach a standard course load of five courses per year (3-2), maintain an active research agenda, and participate in departmental and university service, including advising.
We seek a teacher-scholar with demonstrated expertise in heritage language education. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Spanish at all levels, with particular emphasis on courses designed for heritage language learners, and will contribute to curricular development in the Spanish program. The candidate is also expected to sustain an active research program in areas such as second language acquisition, language program development, or related fields, and to mentor undergraduate research projects, internships, and other high-impact experiences.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have earned a Ph.D. in Spanish, Applied Linguistics, or a closely allied and/or interdisciplinary field with a specialization in heritage language education. The department especially welcomes candidates with evidence of excellence in teaching heritage language learners, a strong research agenda with potential for student engagement, publication and external funding, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing Southwestern University’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and liberal arts college in Texas.
How to apply
Applicants should submit the following materials via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/173123.
Materials will not be accepted in hard copy or via email.
- A 2-3 page letter of intent addressing:
- Teaching philosophy and experience, especially with heritage learners
- Description of their research program
- Experience advising and/or mentoring students
- Commitment to advancing Southwestern University’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and liberal arts college in Texas
- A curriculum vitae
Complete applications (letter of intent and curriculum vitae) must be submitted by 11:00 p.m. CST on October 15, 2025.
Additional Materials:
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit:
- A 500-word description of their research agenda
- Teaching evaluations
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
- Graduate transcripts
Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Katy Ross, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].
Starting annual salary for 9-month position: $65,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed this figure. Teaching in Southwestern University summer school provides faculty with an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer months.
Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, and community-engaged learning. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.
At Southwestern University we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins.
Southwestern University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected].
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