Dec 26

Job: Instructor of Japanese Language – The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (Shiga, Japan)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Instructor of Japanese Language – The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (Shiga, Japan)

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Position: Instructor of Japanese Language
Posted by:  The Japan Center for Michigan Universities
Location: Hikone, Shiga, Japan
Contract: Full-time

Thank you to our friends at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese for this Job Posting.

Application Deadline: Friday, 2 February 2024

The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) invites applications for qualified Instructors of Japanese Language to join the faculty of our living/learning center in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, JAPAN. These are full-time, annually renewable positions with an anticipated start date of 16 August 2024.

JCMU is a product of the strong sister-state relationship between the State of Michigan and Shiga Prefecture. Established in 1989 on the shores of Lake Biwa, JCMU has been welcoming students from institutions across the United States and around the world. JCMU offers a core portfolio in Japanese Language & Culture, with students participating in academic year (fall/spring semesters), and summer intensive study abroad programs. JCMU is administered by the Office of the Dean of International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University (MSU), on behalf of the State of Michigan and its fifteen public universities. Please see http://jcmu.isp.msu.edu or www.jcmu.net for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Members of the faculty teach a variety of Japanese language courses for study abroad students in all four levels (Beginner/Elementary, Intermediate Low, Intermediate High, and Advanced Low). In addition to teaching, faculty responsibilities include student advising, curriculum development, participation in student activities and ceremonies, and service to the Center. Faculty are expected to be active in the international academic community for Japanese language teaching and pedagogy. As such, JCMU offers opportunities for personal professional engagement and development.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in directly applicable field, such as Japanese language pedagogy, applied linguistics, foreign language teaching, education, Japanese Studies, etc. Native or near-native fluency in Japanese as well as an excellent command of English. Experience teaching Japanese language as a foreign language at the collegiate level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Japanese or other directly applicable academic field (ABD candidates will be considered). Experience teaching Japanese as a foreign language at various levels at an American college or university.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, and includes standard Japanese social welfare benefits. Selected candidates will receive a relocation travel/personal effects allowance to move to Hikone. JCMU will provide rent-free housing (a single room) at the Center, which will include basic furniture, appliances, and utensils (utility expenses will be paid by the tenant). Financial support is available on a per-request basis for professional development (conference attendance, professional association membership, certification requirements, etc).

TO APPLY: Application requires personal cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, current CV, documented evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as lesson plans, curriculum modules, or videos of in-class teaching), and the names and contact information (phone/email addresses) for three professional references. All candidates who are selected to move to the interview stage of the search will be required to conduct a teaching demonstration (either in person or virtually) for the search committee.

VIA EMAIL: Send all required materials in PDF format to jcmu@msu.edu with the subject line “Japanese Language Instructor Application” and your full name. You will receive a reply via email upon receipt of your application by the office. Please note that the JCMU office in East Lansing, Michigan, USA will be closed from 25 December 2023 through 3 January 2024 for winter break. Applications received during the break will be processed and applicants notified of receipt the week of 8 January 2024.

VIA MAIL: Hard copy materials sent by mail must be postmarked by the application deadline. Applicants may mail their materials to:

Japanese Faculty Search Committee

C/O: Resident Director Ben McCracken

Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU)

1435-86 Matsubara-cho

Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

JAPAN 522-0002