An English or Language Arts Teacher teaches English in elementary to secondary schools. Focuses on English, writing, composition, literature, and critical analysis. In elementary school, language arts classes focus on basic reading, writing and linguistic / communication skills. In middle school, the English curriculum evolves and expands to include more complicated reading comprehension, such as fiction, poetry and essays. In teaching high school, the focus relies on developing analytical skills.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about .
Job Description:
Western Kentucky University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-eligible position teaching general education courses. Primary teaching responsibilities will be first-year composition, introduction to literature, and junior-level Writing in the Disciplines courses. 5/5 load (30 credit hours per academic year). This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, nine-month temporary appointment for the 2026-27 academic year. This appointment will be for one year, but dependent upon departmental needs and available funding, this position has the potential to become a renewable or regular ongoing appointment. The start date for this appointment is August 15, 2026. Applicants who meet the educational qualifications, requirements, and relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
Requirements:
Relevant professional teaching experience. Demonstrated success in teaching and mentoring students in writing across genres. Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and graduate students. Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate schedules, manage multiple requests, and maintain clear communication across the department. Masters' degree in English or related field plus experience teaching at the college level; demonstrated excellence in and commitment to undergraduate teaching and general education; experience serving underrepresented student populations; experience working with underprepared students.
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form . Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU's Title IX website . Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: https://www.wku.edu/academics/ For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu .
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by July 17, 2026, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled: Letter of Intent Curriculum Vita Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date. You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by
