Lecturer in English-Composition and Rhetoric

Santa Clara University•Saint Joseph, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Santa Clara University's Department of English, a Jesuit, Catholic university, is seeking enthusiastic instructors with demonstrated classroom success in first-year writing for a Lecturer position in rhetoric and composition. This is a one-year, non-tenure track position focused on teaching first-year writing sequences. Specific course assignments will be determined by the candidate's academic qualifications and programmatic needs. The position is primarily for in-person instruction, but may require temporary online instruction if necessitated by public health conditions. The successful candidate will teach 5-9 courses throughout the academic year, with at least one course in each of the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, followed by an 11th week for final examinations. This position begins on September 1, 2026.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, English (with an emphasis in writing studies), English literature, Creative Writing, or an MFA in Creative Writing with proven success in and a commitment to teaching first-year writing.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching composition and rhetoric, particularly first-year writing, at the college level for a minimum of 2 years.
Excellent communication skills.
Technological experience necessary to use a learning management system (Canvas/Camino) and other digital teaching tools is also expected.

Nice To Haves

Experience with themed writing courses (such as ethnic, minority, or women's and gender issues; science, technology, and society; sustainability; education and identity; etc.).
Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students.
Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively.
Assigning and evaluating assignments that align with the course description and course learning outcomes, and providing timely feedback to students.
Holding regular weekly office hours.
Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline.
Administering numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses.
Where applicable, teaching from an approved syllabus for the University Core courses assigned or working with the Chair to design an appropriate syllabus for submission for approval from the relevant Faculty Core Curriculum Committee.
Serving as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment, by providing informed advice to those students.
Developing courses for which they are responsible and contributing to general curriculum development.
Fostering and advancing the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University.
Attending department meetings, serving on committees, advising student organizations and honor societies, taking part in student recruitment/orientation efforts, and contributing to the accreditation or program assessment.
Other minimal instructional or academic duties may be assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or the Chair of the Department.