What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Lecturer in Composition (English Department) position at The University of Pittsburgh?
Visiting Lecturer in Composition (English Department)
The Composition Program in the Department of English at the University of Pittsburgh welcomes applications for a Visiting Lecturer teaching position for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Position appointments may be renewable for one additional year based on need, funding, and performance. It is a full-time position outside the tenure stream teaching three courses per term and does not include summer teaching. Applicants must have completed all requirements for their terminal degree by Sept. 1, 2025.
We invite applications to join an active and innovative program that houses first-year composition classes and a growing Public and Professional Writing major and certificate program. Visiting Lecturers (VLs) will likely teach a range of courses in the undergraduate composition curriculum that fulfill Writing general education requirements in the Dietrich School, including first-year composition courses and courses focused on writing arguments, advertising, tech writing, grant writing, legal writing, and composing digital media. More information about the Composition program and our undergraduate courses is available on our website: https://www.composition.pitt.edu/undergraduate.
The minimum basic qualification is an advanced degree (MFA or Ph.D.) in English or a related field. For these positions, we value flexible and excellent teachers who can teach engaging courses that respond to the needs of our program and to general education requirements. Preferred qualifications include experience teaching first-year writing, professional writing, attention to digital modes of composition, and interest in working with international students or students with disabilities. Applicants should also show how their teaching or service demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Teaching Load: 3/3 plus committee or supervisory assignment
Applications should include:
- Cover letter of 1-2 pp. addressed to Gayle Rogers, Chair. Include a description of your teaching experience.
- Current CV and a list of courses taught at Pitt and elsewhere.
- Teaching Portfolio: It should include sample materials to represent three recent distinct teaching experiences. Applicants who have been the instructor of record for courses should include syllabi, sample assignments, and student evaluations. Applicants who have largely taught as Teaching Assistants should include syllabi, information on the applicant’s contributions to the course, and evidence of effective teaching (student evaluations, comment sheets, and/or letters from course instructors). Applicants who have taught in Writing Centers or in similar teaching environments should include instructional materials and evidence of effective teaching.
- One-to-two-page diversity statement, in which you share how your past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
- Names and contact information for two references.
- Two letters of recommendation must be submitted to: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_724tfUk0MbnHoSG. Please provide your letter writer with the above-referenced link. The letter writer’s full name, title, and contact information should be included in the letter and submitted no later than March 18, 2025.
Because the English Department’s Directors Committee is the selection committee for this position, recommendation letters cannot come from current program directors, directors of undergraduate studies, DGS, or chair, per COI guidelines.
Applicants will be judged on the basis of teaching excellence, experience with curricular supervision and design, and departmental teaching needs. The selection committee consists of the four program directors, the four directors of undergraduate studies, the Chair, and the director of the Writing Institute. When this committee evaluates applications, they will do so in the spirit and norms captured by the department’s statement on the evaluation of teaching.
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to building and fostering a culturally diverse environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of an inclusive community are required.
For information or questions, contact: the University of Pittsburgh Department of English, 526 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 | 412-624-6509 | Dana Stav engchair@pitt.edu.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
