University of Wisconsin-Madison Is Hiring A Lecturer

Join MEDLI 2026 as a Language Instructor - Summer 2026 at UW-Madison!

Embark on an exciting teaching journey this summer by becoming a language instructor for the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Language Institute (MEDLI) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offering immersive courses in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish.

Position Overview

• Job Category: Academic Staff
• Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)
• Job Profile: Lecturer

About MEDLI

MEDLI is an eight-week intensive summer language institute housed within the Language Program Office (LPO) at UW-Madison. Running from mid-June to mid-August, 2026, the program includes courses in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish, with a staff orientation week beginning June 8. As a member of the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI), MEDLI provides a dynamic environment for language instruction and cultural engagement.

Key Responsibilities

As a language instructor, you will:

• Teach Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish at elementary, intermediate, or advanced levels in an online, synchronous format.
• Communicate at least 90% in the target language, following ACTFL guidelines.
• Prepare syllabi, course goals, lesson plans, and teaching materials.
• Develop, administer, and assess classroom and home assignments, maintaining the LMS (Canvas).
• Hold scheduled office hours and supervise teaching assistants or faculty assistants.
• Collaborate with program staff on observations, evaluations, and cultural programming.
• Participate in pedagogy workshops, instructor meetings, and possibly submit student evaluations or administer placement tests.
• Manage classrooms to ensure target language use, an engaging environment, and orderly conduct.

Classroom Management & Additional Duties

Instructors will:

• Ensure use of target language and maintain engaging lessons.
• Serve as the primary contact for student concerns and manage administrative tasks such as attendance and grading.
• Prepare and update class materials and communicate with students.
• Attend scheduled observations and meetings, including mandatory pre-service workshops.

Important Details for 2026

Format: All courses will be delivered synchronously online.

Work Hours: Classes between 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Central Time, with breaks and instructional workflows provided. Instructors need not reside in Madison but should have reliable internet and technology.

Special Notes: High school juniors and seniors may participate, with additional support provided during pre-service week.

Additional Notes: Positions depend on student enrollment, with some notifications expected in late spring. This appointment is limited strictly to summer 2026.

Compensation & Qualifications

• Salary: $12,000 - $14,000 for a full 9-week appointment, based on qualifications and the university's minimum rate of $52,000.
• Required Qualifications: Fluency or near-native fluency in the target language and English; two years of teaching experience at relevant levels preferred.
• Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of language pedagogy, prior summer intensive teaching experience, and remote teaching proficiency are highly valued.
• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, Middle East Studies, Linguistics, or related disciplines.

Application Process

Please submit the following via the university's jobs portal:

• Cover Letter: Discuss your teaching philosophy, languages, levels, and experience. Highlight online/integrative teaching skills if applicable.
• CV
• Three Professional References
• Student evaluations (highly encouraged)

Finalists may be asked to provide sample syllabi, lesson plans, or conduct a teaching demonstration.

Contact & Additional Information

Questions? Reach out to medli@lpo.wisc.edu.

For more details, visit WISLI Teach Opportunities.

Institutional & Equal Opportunity Statement

UW-Madison values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating a supportive environment and providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities or pregnancy-related needs. Employment processes may include background checks, and confidentiality requests will be honored consistent with legal statutes.

Additional Notes

This position is exclusively for summer 2026, with no guarantee of reappointment. Some notifications may come late in spring based on enrollment.