Rhetoric Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a public university located in Pulaski, Tennessee, strategically positioned within the growing Nashville-Huntsville innovation corridor. As the newest campus in the University of Tennessee System - and the only public four-year institution between Chattanooga and Memphis - UT Southern offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a close-knit academic community while benefiting from the resources and reputation of a nationally recognized public university system.

With more than 1,000 students, small class sizes, and a highly personalized academic environment, UT Southern combines the feel of a private college with the affordability of a public university. UT Southern's Firehawks compete in the NAIA Southern States Athletic Conference and include nationally recognized championship programs.

Faculty and staff at UT Southern play a direct role in shaping the future of a growing institution committed to academic excellence, student success, workforce development, and regional impact.

Position Overview

The University of Tennessee Southern enthusiastically invites applications for the role of Instructor of Rhetoric and Composition and Writing Curriculum Coordinator. As UT Southern develops and refines curriculum in the area of rhetoric and composition, this role will oversee writing studies curriculum development, ensure alignment with best practices in rhetoric and composition, and play a pivotal role in maintaining a strong relationship with our dual enrollment community partners.  

The Instructor of Rhetoric and Composition will teach composition courses and serve as the inaugural Writing Curriculum Coordinator. The successful candidate will bring classroom expertise and innovative ideas for developing courses in writing studies. We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and visionary educator who is invested in student success and eager to help shape new initiatives such as embedded peer tutoring in developmental courses, writing certificate programs, workshops on navigating AI in the composition classroom, or other initiatives as pertains to the candidate's area of expertise.  

Teaching duties include instruction in introductory writing courses, including dual enrollment sections, as well as upper-level courses as appropriate. In the coordinator role, responsibilities may include leading grade norming sessions, facilitating composition best-practices workshops, liaising with the Student Resource Center, maintaining current composition learning outcomes, supporting general education assessment, and helping establish course placement criteria. 

This is a full-time, 9-month, in-person teaching position at the Instructor rank. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically with the following: 1.) a cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, 2.) a C.V. and list of at least 3 professional references, and 3.) a Statement of Teaching Philosophy. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews beginning in June.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a strong commitment to teaching, working with college-ready and underprepared students, and serving the university through writing program administration. 

• Master's Degree in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, English, or a closely related field 
• Ability to teach in an enthusiastic, professional, and organized manner across multiple modalities in order to reach as many students as possible 
• Experience in Writing Program Administration or graduate training in rhetoric and composition  
• Ability to work effectively on a team 
• Excellent communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, English, or a closely related field 
• Experience teaching dual enrollment  
• Experience teaching technical and/or professional writing is welcome 

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Teach a 5/5 course load with a course release for serving as Writing Curriculum Coordinator  
• Teach introductory composition courses  
• Teach dual enrollment sections 
• Design and teach upper-level writing or English courses as appropriate and as determined by departmental need 
• Serve as the inaugural Writing Curriculum Coordinator, helping to establish best practices, procedures, and a long-term vision for writing studies at UTS 
• Develop and lead new composition initiatives, which may include embedded peer tutoring, writing certificate programs, or other projects aligned with the candidate's expertise 
• Lead grade norming sessions and facilitate composition best-practice workshops 
• Maintain and regularly update composition learning outcomes to reflect current standards and pedagogical development 
• Participate in program and departmental meetings, faculty governance, and institutional service as assigned 
• Work within the English program to support writing instruction and initiatives, in coordination with the Program Director and Department Head.