Assistant Professor of Spanish -- Tenure Track

The Modern Languages Program at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Spanish, effective January 2026. We seek a teacher-scholar with an open specialization who is committed to undergraduate education and demonstrates potential for excellence in teaching, research, and service. This position involves teaching Spanish language and culture at all undergraduate levels, mentoring students, and contributing to the continued growth of the Spanish program.

The successful candidate will be expected to engage in curriculum development, which may include service-learning opportunities, study abroad/study tours, interdisciplinary initiatives, and other experiential learning models.

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty appointment. The standard teaching load is 4-4.

60% – Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Teach Spanish courses at all undergraduate levels, including but not limited to Beginning Spanish, Conversation, Composition, and Culture.
• Develop new courses aligned with program goals and student interests.
• Support interdisciplinary initiatives and high-impact practices such as service learning or study tours.

20% – Research and Scholarly Activity

• Maintain an active research agenda in Spanish, Hispanic Studies, or a closely related field.
• Present work at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals or equivalent venues.

10% – Student Mentoring and Advising

• Advise and mentor undergraduate students, including those pursuing teacher certification or interdisciplinary minors.
• Support student recruitment and retention efforts.

10% – Service

• Participate in program, departmental, and university committees.
• Engage in outreach and recruitment for the Modern Languages program.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Spanish or a closely related field is required.
• ABD candidates will be considered. If the Ph.D. is not conferred at the time of hire, the successful candidate will be appointed as a Visiting Instructor until degree completion.

Experience:

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching and student engagement.
• Evidence of an active research agenda or strong scholarly promise.
• Native or near-native fluency in Spanish is required.
• Experience or interest in program development, interdisciplinary teaching, or global learning initiatives preferred.

Special Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

• Ability to engage and inspire students across a diverse campus population.
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Work Schedule:
 Standard academic schedule. Some evening or weekend events may be required for recruitment or outreach.

Location:
 Main campus, Warrensburg, Missouri. Opportunities to teach online and at the Lee’s Summit UCM campus.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
 Applicants must complete an online faculty profile at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ucmo and upload the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample
• Statement of teaching philosophy (including, if possible, evidence of teaching effectiveness)
• Unofficial transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

Only applicants with completed online faculty profiles and attached required documents will be considered.

Screening of applications begins September 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information:

Dr. Kristy Boney
 Chair, Search Committee
 Email: kboney@ucmo.edu

Special Instructions:

Full-time benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part-time benefits-eligible positions: Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions: Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM online application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE: A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer and specifically invites applications from women, minorities, veteran status, and people with disabilities.