Online Instructor of Japanese

Arkansas Tech University • Russellville, AR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of English & World Languages at Arkansas Tech University invites applications for an Online Instructor of Japanese beginning Spring 2027. The successful candidate will deliver 2–4 courses per semester in Japanese language and culture through our online learning management system (Blackboard), serving students pursuing Japanese language study, Japanese language minors, and study abroad preparation. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, student-centered educator who is passionate about language pedagogy in an online environment and who can bring authentic cultural and linguistic expertise to a growing program. This position is renewable via contract depending upon teaching/course evaluations and departmental/program needs.

Requirements

• Master's degree (minimum) in Japanese Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, East Asian Studies, Foreign Language Education, or a closely related field
• Native or near-native proficiency in both Japanese and English
• Non-native speakers of Japanese must demonstrate a minimum proficiency of ACTFL Superior or JLPT N1
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Demonstrated ability (or strong potential) to teach using audio/video technology for language instruction, delivery, and evaluation
• Willingness and ability to teach fully online via Blackboard or comparable LMS

Nice To Haves

• Earned doctorate or other relevant terminal degree.
• Prior online teaching experience in Japanese or another world language
• Experience preparing or supporting students for study abroad in Japan
• Interest or expertise in Japanese literature, film, or popular media (e.g., anime) as subjects of academic study
• Demonstrated success helping students achieve a recognized level of proficiency certification, such as the JLPT or ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), or comparable standardized assessment
• Familiarity with video game localization (Japanese to English and/or English to Japanese), gaming culture, or interest in supporting students from Video Game Design or related programs

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver 2–4 online courses per semester across the Japanese language curriculum, which may include: Japanese Culture and Civilization — Japan's economic, political, and social structures, history, and culture Special Topics courses (e.g., Japanese literature, anime/manga studies, Japanese gaming culture, or Japanese film), subject to department need, student demand, and instructor expertise Beginning Japanese I & II — foundational speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills within cultural contexts Intermediate Japanese I & II — continued development of communicative and comprehension skills Conversation and Composition I & II — advanced communication and comprehension through analysis of authentic texts and media Japanese Study Abroad — supporting students in Arkansas Tech-sanctioned study programs in Japan
• Deliver instruction via the Blackboard LMS, incorporating audio and video tools for language modeling, student practice, and assessment
• Design and administer listening, speaking, reading, and writing assessments appropriate to an online modality
• Maintain regular, meaningful interaction with students through video, audio, and written feedback
• Adapt course delivery to both traditional 16-week and (potentially) 8-week accelerated formats
• Participate in program assessment, curriculum development, and department/university service as appropriate
• Stay current with best practices in online language pedagogy and instructional technology

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level