Washington & Lee University, Romance Languages Department
Università di Bologna, Dipartimento di Filologia Classica e Italianistica
World Language Teaching Internship (AY26-27)
Description
The Washington and Lee University Romance Languages Department is pleased to invite
recent graduates from the UniBo graduate programs in Lingua e cultura italiana per
stranieri or Italianistica to submit applications for the position of World Language Teaching
Instructor of Italian. The successful candidate will have training in the teaching
methodologies and acquisition of Italian as a second-language. They should also
demonstrate a willingness to attract and retain students of Italian and have strategies for
creating a positive and inclusive learning environment in and outside of the classroom. The
appointment begins August 17, 2026 and ends April25, 2027. Upon positive departmental
review, the candidate may extend their contract for a second year. Candidates should be
prepared to teach first-year Italian language and culture, organize language events outside
the classroom, and contribute to the intellectual and collegial spirit of the department.
Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows
students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn,
work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and
exhibit potential for excellence in teaching. In keeping with the University Strategic Plan, we
welcome applications from underrepresented minority candidates and members of other
communities that are traditionally underrepresented in academia.
Washington and Lee University is a highly selective, independent, co-educational, liberal
arts college of approximately 1850 undergraduate and 400 law students and located in
Lexington, VA, three hours southwest of Washington, DC. W&L is consistently ranked
among the top 12 national liberal arts colleges. Established in 1749, it is the ninth oldest
institution of higher learning in the nation.
Duties
• Teach one course per semester, for a total of two courses per year, of the beginning
Italian language and culture sequence (ITAL 113, Fall; ITAL 163, Winter);
• Hold two 1-hours office hours per week;
• Meet with students enrolled in ITAL 113 & 163 in small groups outside of class to
improve oral proficiency. Each group generally meets four to six times per semester;
• Motivate students to continue learning the language at the advanced level;
• Organize one weekly activity for Italian students;
• Organize one weekly Italian conversation table during lunch;
• Co-organize the two Romance Languages events. In the Fall semester, this is Poetry
Night, where students read poems in all Romance languages. In the Winter
semester, this is the Carnival celebration where all languages of the department are
recognized (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French);
• Contribute to the intellectual and pedagogical mission of the Romance Languages
department.
Compensation
• The successful candidate will hold the position of World Language Teaching
Instructor (WLTI);
The position pays an annual salary of $23,060 (taxable) for the period of August 17, 2026 to
April 25, 2027;
• The position is renewable up to two years upon favorable review of teaching and
service;
• Housing is included with the contract. World Language Assistants and Instructors
share accommodation in university housing;
• Health insurance (taxable);
• Airfare is NOT included in the compensation package.
Qualifications
• Advanced or recent graduates of the UniBo graduate programs in Lingua e cultura
italiana per stranieri or Italianistica. Candidates from Italianistica must have passed
at least one exam in Didattica della lingua italiana. All candidates must have
received a final grade of at least 105/110;
• Strong grasp of communicative language teaching principles;
• Ability and willingness to motivate university students to continue study of Italian,
aged 18 to 22;
• Minimum English proficiency: TOEFL : 79-80, CEFR B2/C1. A required language
proficiency interview to assess applicants’ English-language skills will be part of the
evaluation process.
To apply
Applications should include the following items: a cover letter of introduction, a current
curriculum vitae, and a letter of teaching philosophy (no more than one page).
Please email all application materials to Professor Stephen McCormick at mccormicks@wlu.edu.
Review of applications will begin on March 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is
filled. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Professor Stephen McCormick at
mccormicks@wlu.edu.
