West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Position Summary
Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Languages and Cultures invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of French and Languages. The position begins in August 2027.
West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
The Department of Languages and Cultures is dedicated to the teaching of languages and the preparation of language-teaching professionals to be knowledgeable in the facts and issues that inform second language education. As part of this dedication, we promote student and community understanding of the languages that we teach and the cultures that these languages represent. We are a community of teacher-scholars dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to local and global communities. Learn more about West Chester University’s Language Programs.
The faculty member will teach a range of courses, including undergraduate courses in the French program, first year experience courses, course about French culture (taught in English) and potentially beginning and intermediate language courses in one other language (Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, or Japanese). Courses are primarily offered in-person during the day and evening. Some online teaching may also be assigned. The ideal candidate will use innovative and up-to-date teaching skills and demonstrate attention to the learning and teaching needs of the department’s students. The candidate’s experience, expertise, and specialized training will strengthen departmental and campus-wide efforts. The successful candidate will join the French program in a diverse department committed to student success. The successful candidate will be expected to complete a distance education training program within the first two years of employment.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach undergraduate French language courses and/or graduate courses in French and Francophone literature, culture, and linguistics. Teach undergraduate level French and Francophone culture courses in English. Teach beginning and intermediate courses in one other language (German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish). Possibly teach first year experience courses for the general education program, if needed. Additional courses within area(s) of specialization may be assigned based on department needs.
- Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications
- Serve the Department, College, University, and the community through participation in various committees
- Mentor and advise students
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- A doctorate degree in French, Modern Languages, Linguistics, Educational Leadership, Education, Literature, Theater/Performing Arts, or closely related field. ABD may be considered, but doctorate must be completed by start of work date.
- Native or near native proficiency in French plus one other language taught in the department (German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish)
- Active participation in research and/or scholarly activity
- Experience teaching French as a second language, and upper division content courses in French
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching beginning or intermediate courses in one other language besides French and English, at the college level; and/or
- Experience teaching first year experience courses; and/or
- Experience teaching French culture courses in English; and/or
- A generalist with additional specialization in one or more of the following: French linguistics, Francophone studies, or French Literature
Special Instructions
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits (Download PDF reader).
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Compliant with applicable collective bargaining agreement, this advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.
Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered a finalist.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, in addition to the application form, please submit the following:
- Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Sample publication, a written piece prepared for publication, or a sample of your dissertation
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness, as proven by student evaluations (if available) and/or other documentation
- List of three references with contact information (Name, email, and telephone number). References will be electronically contacted for letter of reference.
- Unofficial transcript (official transcripts will be required prior to hire)
- Service Statement (See below) – will be requested a later date
WCU GRADUATES WILL:
- Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
- Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
- Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
- Engage inclusively in a diverse society
- Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live
INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:
To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:
- Access to learning
- Community and cultural engagement
- Continuous improvement
- Critical thinking
- Inclusion
- Scholarly and creative activities
- Sustainability
Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)
Engagement with the Campus Community
- Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?
Mentorship and Student Support
- How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.
Outreach and Community Involvement
- Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?
Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions
- How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.
Professional Development and Collaboration
- Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?
Research and Scholarship Impact
- In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website.
Application Questions?
Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.
West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19383