Full-Time Lecturer in Arabic Language

University of Pennsylvania: School of Arts and Sciences: School of Arts and Sciences - Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Open Date

May 12, 2026

Description The Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Pennsylvania announces a position at the rank of full-time Lecturer in the Arabic Language Program starting in Fall 2026. The appointment will be for an initial year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to two additional years, contingent upon a satisfactory performance review and approval of the Dean. Employee benefits are provided. Applicants for the position should demonstrate a primary focus on language education, and should have received at least a Master’s degree, and preferably a PhD, in Arabic Language, Literature, Linguistics or TAFL. Native or near-native competency in Arabic language, and fluency in English, are required. Preference will be given to applicants who have significant teaching experience at all levels of Arabic language at post-secondary North American institutions and who have worked within large Arabic language programs with multiple members that work together to implement a shared vision. Demonstrated proficiency in current second/foreign language teaching methodologies (especially content-based instruction, proficiency-based learning and the flipped classroom with a high focus on language activation and feedback) and meaningful application of technologies in language instruction are highly desirable. Applicants should be authorized to work in the United States.

Duties include teaching Arabic language classes (five classes per academic year) at any assigned level, holding regular office hours, participating in the program’s events and attending meetings of the Arabic Language Program. Additional responsibilities could include working with the appropriate faculty to develop and design the curriculum and to evaluate teaching goals, student outcomes and programmatic effectiveness. We expect language faculty to participate actively in their professional development and to demonstrate a commitment to pedagogy and a continuing commitment to engaging with and staying abreast of developments in the field of second language acquisition, especially in regard to Arabic.

We seek a language educator who is interested in advancing the study of Arabic language and culture at Penn, and who values interdisciplinary research, collaboration and the promotion of a culturally vibrant intellectual community. Candidates should apply online at: https://apply.interfolio.com/186109.

Please submit: a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, sample syllabus for the most advanced language course taught (including content courses) and contact information for a minimum of three individuals who have agreed to provide a recommendation letter. The University will contact the recommenders with instructions on how to submit their letters. We also encourage applicants to upload additional documents if available: 1) recent teaching evaluations including written comments, 2) a link to a video recording of a class (strongly encouraged), and 3) a description of the video and relevant materials. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating a vibrant community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff and to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence. The School and the MELC Department strive to create working and learning environments that foster intellectual growth and encourage meaningful connections within our Penn academic community and beyond.