STARTALK Russian Instructor at University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) is seeking an experienced and passionate Russian Language Instructor for the 2025 STARTALK Residential Summer Program. This exciting opportunity will take place from June 23 to July 12, 2025, on the University of Pittsburgh’s vibrant campus in Pittsburgh, PA, and offers college students the chance to enhance their Russian language skills at the Intermediate High to Advanced Low proficiency levels.

While the program runs during these dates, the contract spans from May 1 to August 31, 2025, allowing time for preparation, collaboration with the Program Director, Dr. Olga Klimova, and post-program grade reporting. The instructor will work closely with Dr. Klimova to design and deliver a curriculum that adheres to STARTALK’s principles, focusing on the theme of Modern Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Applicants must be U.S. residents or permanent residents and must be physically located in the U.S. at the start of the contract date. This is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on students while contributing to an innovative and immersive educational experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop lesson plans, learning activities, and formative and summative assessments, aligned with the program’s theme and goals.
• Hold in-person classes, learning activities, and assessments.
• Adhere to the proficiency-based and culture-based pedagogical framework appropriate for the college educational setting and consult with the Program Director regarding student needs.
• Integrate instructional technology in the classroom to enhance students’ language learning experiences.
• Administer any regular formal and informal assessments of students’ progress in relationship to stated course goals.
• Maintain a Russian-only language environment.
• Join students and staff at all meals.
• Co-organize and chaperone cultural and co-curricular activities for the students, including several field trips.
• Attend a 1-day virtual training workshop at Pitt with the University of Pittsburgh STARTALK program director and instructors immediately before the start of the program and attend all staff meetings held before, during, and after the program.

Minimum requirements:

• MA in Second Language Acquisition, Applied Linguistics, Slavic or Russian Studies, or related fields.
• Russian language proficiency at an Advanced High or Superior level (in accordance with the ACTFL Guidelines).
• 4+ years of experience in teaching Russian at the college level in U.S. institutions of higher education preferred.
• Experience with and expertise in developing content-based curriculum and language curriculum for STEM students and programs.
• Experience or evidence of the potential for success in working with students of diverse backgrounds is preferred.

The application deadline is January 31, 2025. Application materials should include a cover letter, a CV/resume, and two names for references.

Compensation: In addition to salary, a full meal plan at the university dining hall and a private room on campus will be provided by REEES.

Applications received by January 31, 2025 will be given priority consideration. Application materials should include a cover letter, a CV/resume, and two names for references.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

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