University of Minnesota
Lecturer/Teaching Specialist 2025/26: Institute for Global Studies
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
About the Job
The Institute for Global Studies (IGS) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs part‑time teaching specialists and/or lecturers to teach undergraduate courses that cannot be taught by regular faculty. These positions are temporary (one semester or one academic year) and typically involve teaching no more than one three‑credit course per semester. Courses may be part of the Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies academic programs, or other programs supported by IGS. IGS also hires part‑time and short‑term specialists during the summer or academic year to teach courses and lead or facilitate workshops, conferences, and symposia offered by its research centers and affiliated programs, and to contribute to educational initiatives, programs, and projects sponsored by the University’s National Resource Center in International Studies and by the African Studies Initiative, funded by Title VI grants from the U.S. Department of Education.
Duties & Responsibilities – Instructional Appointments Teaching specialists and lecturers serve as the instructor of record for assigned courses. They prepare for and conduct classes, hold office hours, evaluate student performance, submit grades, respond to student and department inquiries, and submit student evaluations of instruction. They participate in relevant meetings, programs, and orientations; complete required training; maintain professional development; and stay current in the field of instruction.
Additional duties may include supervising and mentoring graduate teaching assistants, coordinating student internship placements, monitoring students’ academic progress, and maintaining community partnerships. Course assignments, schedules, and locations are subject to change based on enrollment, curricular needs, room availability, and other factors.
Duties & Responsibilities – Supplementary Appointments Teaching specialists and lecturers hired to lead or facilitate workshops, conferences, and symposia consult with IGS coordinators on program goals and objectives, develop and coordinate content, lead and facilitate assigned educational offerings, and support necessary reporting requirements.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a related social sciences or humanities discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four‑year college or university.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a related discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and three years of full‑time demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four‑year college or university.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with the Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Degree Equivalency
– In exceptional circumstances IGS may consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) for appointment as a Teaching Specialist if the individual has significant professional experience or cultural expertise that makes them uniquely qualified to teach a course or lead a workshop/seminar in the subject matter.
Candidates will be evaluated by overall quality of academic preparation and evidence of successful teaching in the relevant subject area(s) at a four‑year college or university. References and/or letters of recommendation may be requested.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
Instructional Appointments: $2,380–$3,500 per credit ($7,140–$10,500 per 3‑credit course); Supplementary Appointments: Up to $1,000 for a lecture or one‑day symposium; Up to $3,000 for a week‑long workshop or institute; $2,000–$6,000 for course redesign and curriculum development projects. Pay depends on education, qualifications, and experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Retirement plans may be explored through the university’s retirement plan resources.
While salary ranges provide a framework, initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within the organization.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. Click the “Apply” button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and résumé. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
In the cover letter, please describe how your qualifications and experience prepare you to succeed in the position, identify subject area(s) and content you are prepared to teach, and describe your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for diverse populations and communities.
Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when openings occur throughout the year. Applications must be updated or re‑submitted for each year.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
UMTC is one of the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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Duties & Responsibilities – Instructional Appointments Teaching specialists and lecturers serve as the instructor of record for assigned courses. They prepare for and conduct classes, hold office hours, evaluate student performance, submit grades, respond to student and department inquiries, and submit student evaluations of instruction. They participate in relevant meetings, programs, and orientations; complete required training; maintain professional development; and stay current in the field of instruction.
Additional duties may include supervising and mentoring graduate teaching assistants, coordinating student internship placements, monitoring students’ academic progress, and maintaining community partnerships. Course assignments, schedules, and locations are subject to change based on enrollment, curricular needs, room availability, and other factors.
Duties & Responsibilities – Supplementary Appointments Teaching specialists and lecturers hired to lead or facilitate workshops, conferences, and symposia consult with IGS coordinators on program goals and objectives, develop and coordinate content, lead and facilitate assigned educational offerings, and support necessary reporting requirements.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a related social sciences or humanities discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four‑year college or university.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Global Studies, Asian American Studies, Religious Studies, or a related discipline with an emphasis in a field related to the assigned course, workshop, or other educational offering; and three years of full‑time demonstrated successful experience teaching relevant courses or leading/facilitating relevant workshops/educational programs at a four‑year college or university.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with the Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Degree Equivalency
– In exceptional circumstances IGS may consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) for appointment as a Teaching Specialist if the individual has significant professional experience or cultural expertise that makes them uniquely qualified to teach a course or lead a workshop/seminar in the subject matter.
Candidates will be evaluated by overall quality of academic preparation and evidence of successful teaching in the relevant subject area(s) at a four‑year college or university. References and/or letters of recommendation may be requested.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
Instructional Appointments: $2,380–$3,500 per credit ($7,140–$10,500 per 3‑credit course); Supplementary Appointments: Up to $1,000 for a lecture or one‑day symposium; Up to $3,000 for a week‑long workshop or institute; $2,000–$6,000 for course redesign and curriculum development projects. Pay depends on education, qualifications, and experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Retirement plans may be explored through the university’s retirement plan resources.
While salary ranges provide a framework, initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within the organization.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. Click the “Apply” button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and résumé. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
In the cover letter, please describe how your qualifications and experience prepare you to succeed in the position, identify subject area(s) and content you are prepared to teach, and describe your commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for diverse populations and communities.
Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when openings occur throughout the year. Applications must be updated or re‑submitted for each year.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
UMTC is one of the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr