Visiting Faculty in Spanish (2026)

Grand Valley State University•Allendale Charter Township, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan invites applications for a visiting teaching position in Spanish language, culture, and literature for the 2026-27 academic year, renewable for up to three years. The position will begin in August 2026. The university offers a comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available. The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures consists of programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. The department's language courses offer not just the chance to study a language, but to actively engage with another culture with a respectful understanding and awareness of its people in alignment with GVSU's Vision and strategic priorities to "inspire and equip students to be active life-long learners and global citizens". The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at GVSU, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts approximately 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. At Grand Valley State University, we empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. The university enriches society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service. The GVSU community is collaborative, inclusive, self-aware, goal- and growth-oriented. We value connection with fellow Lakers, both student and professional colleagues, and strive to challenge our existing state with innovative strategies. We are dedicated to student success, and the well-being of our community as a whole. Read more about our Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan and process.

Requirements

Demonstrated excellence in teaching Spanish courses at the college level.
M.A. in Spanish or related field required, Ph.D. highly desirable.
Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and English.
Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.
Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Applicants with experience teaching courses in Spanish with a focus on cultural studies and/or literature are especially encouraged to apply.
PhD in Spanish Cultural Studies, Literatures, and/or Linguistics at the time of hiring preferred.

Responsibilities

The visiting faculty position entails three classes (up to 12 credits) of teaching each semester.
Teaching responsibilities include first and second-year language courses and 300-level courses in which the instructor will teach skills such as composition and conversation as well as different cultural and literary topics.
Visitors typically teach four to five days a week, including some evenings (6:00-7:50 pm), depending on section needs.