Lecturer in First-Year Writing

Position Summary

Job Description

Faculty Position in English – Lecturer in First-Year Writing Western Colorado University POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for a non-tenure-track full-time Lecturer position in English – First-Year Writing (FYW). Position responsibilities include teaching FYW courses: ENG 102: Writing & Rhetoric I and ENG 103: Writing & Rhetoric II, with the possibility of also teaching co-requisite sections and English courses offered within the General Education program as needed. Teaching load is 24 credits per academic year, with 6 credits of reassign time for campus service, which may include recruitment, serving on campus committees, and other departmental service. Strong commitment to effective and inclusive teaching practices, service, and professional development is expected. This position is in-person on-campus and is a one-year appointment that is potentially renewable based on departmental needs and performance. The English program provides a supportive, compassionate, and inclusive environment for dedicated professionals. This is a vibrant English program that houses first-year writing, literature, creative writing, secondary licensure, a Humanities and Diversity minor, and a Professional Writing Certificate. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: MA, MFA, PhD, or Master’s Degree with 18+ graduate hours in the field of English, Writing Studies/Composition & Rhetoric, or comparable graduate courses An excellent record of university-level teaching experience and/or high school teaching experience Demonstrated ability to work well as a team member in an instructional unit Willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population Collegiality and professional flexibility are characteristic of the department and would be sought in the successful candidate. SALARY/BENEFITS: $50,000-$51,000 annualized salary depending on qualifications and experience. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. Western has acquired local rental agreements for newly hired employees moving to the Gunnison Valley, which can serve as bridge housing. Upon hire, contact information for housing opportunities will be provided by the Human Resources department. START DATE: August 17, 2026 APPLICATIONS: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: Letter of application (cover letter or statement of interest) Curriculum vitae Transcripts Evidence of teaching effectiveness Statement of teaching philosophy Reference list with names and contact information of three references. Please direct questions to Tamara Toomey, CALL Department Chair and Director of First-Year Writing: ttoomey@western.edu. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 26, 2026. Screening of applications will begin immediately. Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western Colorado University encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law. ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140. At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.