Persian Language and Culture Instructor, Mansfield Center DCLCP Job Opening

The University of Montana invites applications for Instructors of Persian Language and Culture with the Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP). DCLCP provides intensive language and culture education for members of the Active Duty Military, the National Guard, Reserve and Intelligence Agencies utilizing a congressionally funded contract through the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO). The position will be in Missoula, Montana and a nearby “isolated immersion” site. A change in location may be determined by the Director of the DCLCP.

The Mansfield Center Defense Critical Language and Culture Program is one of the top language and culture training centers for the Department of Defense in the country. We pride ourselves in our ability to not only train our military in the defense languages, but how we also include lessons in culture training. Our courses meet any DoD defined critical language need. Our instructors bring their “in-county” experience with their lessons, and many of our courses include college credit. We offer our lessons through a wide range of platforms, including VTC, in-residence, mobile training teams, and blended options – each course is tailored to individual requirements.

The Persian/Farsi Instructor of Language and Culture will assist in the development of curriculum and instruct military and United States government agency personnel in intensive language and culture courses. These courses will be conducted with an “isolated immersion” model.

“Iso-immersion” is an abbreviated, government-wide, term used to describe foreign language training conducted in total isolation from the English language. An Iso-immersion event, as conducted at the DCLCP, is multiple days long and includes overnight stays. This event is intended to simulate real life situations and offer students the opportunity to apply their language skills while also experiencing the target culture.

The DCLCP Iso-immersion model will have students and instructors spend approximately two weeks per course focusing on the target language and cultural instruction at an isolated site. Classes will be in session from morning to evening and 5-6 hours of teaching per day is common per instructor in addition to time spent mentoring students and participating in daily activities. Lesson preparation, classroom management, administration, and supplementary curriculum development should occur primarily between courses. Additionally, when courses are not in session course materials are developed by the language instructors for publishing and for in-class use.

The Persian/Farsi Instructor of Language and Culture will teach not only the language, but also teach cultural courses in the target language. Topics may include but are not limited to: Iranian geography, pre-modern and modern history of Iran, Persian Literature, natural resources, economy, government, ethnicities, religious groups, etc.

Travel between Missoula and the “isolated immersion” site should be expected. Instructors should expect to stay overnight on site to supervise students.

The instructor must be fluent in Persian/Farsi language and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English. The instructor is required to take an Oral Proficiency Interview and score superior in Persian and advanced in English prior to selection.

The instructor must have a high level of knowledge in current teaching methodologies and be comfortable with teaching through technology using Video-Teleconferencing (VTCs), Smartboards, and iPads. Instructors must also be able to work productively in a group (team teaching, active coordination, extensive collaboration) and work effectively in an independent mode. The instructor must be able to create and follow syllabi without oversight.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Persian (language and/or literature), linguistics (applied linguistics is preferred), History, Anthropology, or any related field
• Must have experience in teaching languages and curriculum development for (Persian) language materials
• While employed instructors must develop curriculum based on the needs of the program and as required by the DoD
• Applicant must score advanced in English as tested against the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), is required to take the OPI before selection and must score superior in Persian
• Individual must be able to pass a Criminal Background Investigation
• Must have knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies
• Must be able to work productively within a team and independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in related field
• Experience in intensive language instruction, particularly in a military or government setting.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment In accordance with University policy; finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

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How to Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:

• Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related the stated required skills for the position.
• Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience.
• Professional References– names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Required Skills

Required Experience