What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The anticipated begin work date is January 2027.
The Department of English Studies at Western Carolina University is seeking a candidate for a 9-month fixed-term Instructor position. This position has a teaching load of 4/4 and service responsibilities (equivalent to an additional 3 credit hours). Instructors are eligible to go up for promotion to Associate Instructor after three years.
The teaching requirements will be in the Department’s Writing, Rhetoric, and Composition Studies Program (WRCS), which delivers both of the required writing courses in WCU’s Liberal Studies Program, English 101: Writing & Rhetoric, and ENGL 202: Writing & Critical Inquiry. Other teaching duties as needed and assigned by the Department Head in support of other Liberal Studies courses and major courses.
The Department of English Studies at Western Carolina University is seeking a candidate for a 9-month fixed-term Instructor position. This position has a teaching load of 4/4 and service responsibilities (equivalent to an additional 3 credit hours). Instructors are eligible to go up for promotion to Associate Instructor after three years.
The teaching requirements will be in the Department’s Writing, Rhetoric, and Composition Studies Program (WRCS), which delivers both of the required writing courses in WCU’s Liberal Studies Program, English 101: Writing & Rhetoric, and ENGL 202: Writing & Critical Inquiry. Other teaching duties as needed and assigned by the Department Head in support of other Liberal Studies courses and major courses.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree (MA) in English and documented experience teaching writing.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
9
Posting Text
Open Date
10/27/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review. Review of applications will begin on or about November 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
Please include the following: letter of application, current CV, list of three professional references with complete contact information, and unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher*.
Please include the following: letter of application, current CV, list of three professional references with complete contact information, and unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher*.
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Please direct questions to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jonathan Bradshaw (jlbradshaw@wcu.edu).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental Insurance