Teaching Specialist

OVERVIEW
Teaching Specialists are members of the Leadership Minor professional staff team with the primary responsibility to teach LEAD courses and secondary responsibilities to provide departmental, curricular and instructional support alongside course curriculum coordinators (Level Leads), graduate assistants and operations staff. This position is within the undergraduate Leadership Minor, which is a department in partnership between the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Undergraduate Education. Learn more about our department below. This role is expected to work in-person a minimum of 3 days per week. This role does not matriculate to a tenure-track position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching (75%)

• Teach 5-6 Leadership Minor courses per year (including summer if on 12-month contract), including but not limited to engaging in class lecture, utilizing active learning methods, offering constructive feedback, coaching and grading student work, and working with and coaching Leadership Minor Interns/Teaching Assistants. Depending on assigned courses, teaching responsibilities may also include such responsibilities as managing 6-10 community partnerships per semester.
• Utilize program curriculum resources (including syllabus, assignments, and Canvas Learning Management System) to create an accessible and interactive learning experience for students consistent with other sections of the course
• Maintain consistent and timely communication with students, including availability to meet outside of class (office hours)
• Provide accountability and coaching while supporting student development
• Utilize campus resources for student support and development
• Assist with curriculum and teaching assessment, including encouraging student and staff assessment participation, offering curricular feedback, participating in teaching observation and assisting with assessment-driven strategic planning for department
• Participate in departmental and course-specific instructor trainings and meetings
• Continue personal development within the field and practices of leadership, higher education, teaching and learning pedagogy and other expertise connected to departmental curriculum
• Meet Teaching Expectations as outlined in more detail at z.umn.edu/leadteachexp

Curriculum, Instructor & Departmental Support (25%)

• Support course curriculum coordinators (Level Leads) in course creation, maintenance and delivery, including by providing feedback
• Participate in curriculum and instructor support initiatives, which may include meeting with instructors, guiding a community of practice or providing teaching or content workshops
• Assist with departmental assessment, including encouraging student and staff participation and assisting with assessment-driven strategic planning for department
• Mentor new instructors, as needed and requested
• Support and, at times, assist with Leadership Minor co-curricular programming
• Participate in and, at times, facilitate departmental staff meetings
• Participate in and, at times, facilitate departmental committees, unit committees or other related working groups (at least one per year)
• Participate in and, at times, assist with implementation of Leadership Minor events including August Annual Instructor Gathering and Leadership Minor Student Graduation
• Attend at least one professional development opportunity each year related to leadership or teaching pedagogy
• Other duties as assigned

APPOINTMENT DETAILS:

This is a 100% time, Academic Professional and Administrative position, with the option for a 12 or 10 month appointment. The starting salary is $62,000 for 12 month appointment.

Essential Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• At least 3 years of teaching or training & development experience that is inclusive, interactive, accessible and equity-driven
• Knowledge of Leadership Studies theory and practice
• Knowledge of student development theory and practice

Preferred Qualifications

• College or university-level teaching experience
• Experience studying or teaching about Leadership Studies or Organizational Leadership
• Experience with curriculum development, lesson planning, or evaluation
• Proficiency with Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
• Experience teaching about social identities, including race
• Experience teaching about or addressing systemic power imbalances
• Commitment to social change, student agency, and/or education as a liberatory practice
  

The University of Minnesota Leadership Minor is among the oldest and largest undergraduate leadership programs in the nation and we are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year!

The Leadership Minor's strategic partnership within the University of Minnesota is core to its identity and mission. The conceptual idea to create the minor originated from an Office of Student Affairs (OSA) assessment of student needs and interests related to leadership development. Housed within the Office of Student Affairs, with the Office of Undergraduate Education as an academic partner, the Leadership Minor uniquely blends academic vigor and student development.

The Leadership Minor believes that leadership education is meant to develop aware and accountable leaders who work through collective action to unlearn and reshape self and systems, address power dynamics, and live in possibility toward creation of an equitable, sustainable, and liberated world.

We support students to explore multiple leadership frameworks, address systemic power imbalances, develop their leader identities, and build their toolbox for leading toward collective liberation.

Undergraduate students complete the Leadership Minor by taking four core courses and one elective course. Learn more at www.lead.umn.edu.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Please apply by Thursday, October 3 for best consideration.

The University 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

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among 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).