Working Title: Technology-Enhanced Language Education Director

Proposed Start Date: August 15, 2024

Expected Appointment Length: 2 years

Position Summary:
This position within CARLA (Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition) will lead initiatives and professional development for language educators on the integration of language education and technologies such as innovative digital tools (e.g., AI, social media), open educational resources (OERs), online language instruction, etc., and frame initiatives using pedagogies that facilitate implementation of technology-enhanced language teaching and learning. The position also involves managing the creation and dissemination of web-based and digital content for language education through the CARLA website.
Resources and Professional Development for Language Teachers (85 %)
Resource Creation to Support Classroom Use of Technology
-Lead a CARLA initiative on creating and using innovative digital tools (e.g., AI, social media) that enhance language education
-Conduct needs assessment of K-16 language educators on use of digital tools.
-Research the need for and impact of digital tools and related professional development for language educators.
-Develop materials that support teachers in implementing digital tools for language education.
-Collect, evaluate, and disseminate resources and information on digital tools that support language teaching and learning.
-Support the development and use of CARLA's open educational resources (OERs)
-Work with CARLA initiative leaders to develop OERs for their initiatives.
-Guide language educators through the process of creating OERs.
-Convert existing CARLA resources into OERs and relaunch them on the CARLA website.
Professional Development on Technology in Language Education
-Create and implement webinars and workshops on topics related to digital tools, OERs, online language education, and/or other technologies based on needs assessment; serve as lead instructor or identify and recruit leaders for workshops as needed.
-Develop 1-2 summer institutes on digital tools, OERs, online language education, and/or other technologies that support language education and offer them annually through the CARLA Summer Institute program; serve as lead instructor and/or recruit co-instructors as needed.
-Serve as liaison to the U of M Language Center instructional staff as they offer pedagogy and technology support to University language teachers.
-Collaborate with regional and national professional organizations (e.g., MWALLT, IALLT, CALICO, ACTFL) to provide professional development on using technology in language education
Technology Project Management and Facilitation (15 %)
-Manage the creation and dissemination of web-based and digital content for language education through the CARLA website
-Work with CARLA director, initiative leaders, and staff to conceptualize how language teaching materials and CARLA initiatives can be optimally presented for language educators on the CARLA website.
-Work with the GPS Alliance Communication and Technology Team and/or outside consultants to guide projects to completion.
-Act as the point person with the GPS Alliance Communication and Technology Team on CARLA's technology-related issues.
-Facilitate videorecording of CARLA programs and posting of all videos on the CARLA website.
-Create/manage hybrid opportunities for CARLA programs such as the Language Teacher Education conference.
-Provide professional development and technology training for CARLA staff, presenters, and workshop facilitators as needed
-Support the CARLA staff to ensure maximum efficiency in using Drupal and other technology tools; serve as liaison between the CARLA staff and other units on campus that support use of Drupal and other technology tools.
-Communicate with appropriate units on campus to support the development of Canvas sites for summer institutes and other non-credit programs.

Required Qualifications:
-BA/BS in relevant field and 3 or more years of related professional experience
-Experience with innovative technologies (e.g., AI, social media), OERs, and/or other digital platforms for language education
-Experience teaching language or other relevant subject areas at either K-12 or postsecondary levels
-Experience leading professional development workshops for language educators or other relevant audiences
-Proficiency in a language beyond the native/first language
-Experience collaborating with staff and/or faculty at all levels of an organization
-Ability to clearly communicate with a variety of individuals from diverse cultures
-Ability apply an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion lens into all aspects of the work
Preferred Qualifications:
-MA in a language, applied linguistics, education, or other relevant field
-Knowledge of current language teaching pedagogies
-Experience designing technology-enhanced curriculum and instruction for language education contexts
-Experience working across K-12 and postsecondary language education contexts
-Experience with web design and communication tools
-Three or more years experience teaching language and/or leading professional development workshops for language educators

About CARLA

Founded in 1993, the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) is a Title VI Language Resource Center devoted to improving language teaching and learning. CARLA is one of sixteenLanguage Resource Centers based at universities across the United States. LRCs create language learning and teaching materials, offer professional development opportunities for language instructors, and conduct and disseminate research on language education. CARLA is currently carrying out work in two focal areas: language-content integrated initiatives are designed to enhance language learning through cultural and academic content; teacher education and advocacy initiatives are designed to enhance teachers' instructional capacity, support for their students, and communication with stakeholders.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Priority application deadline: April 22, 2024

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

-Resume or CV

-List of three professional references

-Cover Letter

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.