About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a part-time teaching assistant focused on Japanese language courses at Washington and Lee University. You'll be responsible for leading drill sessions, grading, and organizing activities, working closely with faculty. It's primarily an individual contributor role with some teaching responsibilities.

Good fit

Ideal candidates are native or near-native Japanese speakers with a background in language teaching or linguistics. Experience in a college setting is a plus, but not mandatory; a collaborative and proactive working style will help you succeed.

Worth noting

The position is contingent on funding and performance, and it's non-benefit eligible, which may be a downside for some. The university emphasizes a diverse and inclusive environment, which could be a positive for those valuing such cultures.

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at Washington and Lee University invites applications for a World Language Teaching Assistant (WLTA) in Japanese, starting August 2026. The position is annually renewable and contingent on funding and performance. The WLTA in Japanese will assist full-time faculty members in teaching the first- and second-year Japanese language courses. Primary teaching responsibilities include independently teaching drill sessions, grading homework, holding office hours, planning weekly Japanese table activities, and assisting with special events in the department.

Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for rigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University’s mission and Strategic Plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate must be a native level speaker of Japanese with a B.A. degree, preferably in Teaching Japanese as a Second Language, Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition or related fields; native or near-native fluency in Japanese and English. College/University level teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Application Instructions:

Applications should include the following items:

Application letter
Curriculum vitae
If available, link to a web-accessible teaching demo (approximately 20 minutes) included in letter, CV or separate document
Names and contact information of three references who have agreed to provide a confidential letter of recommendation. There is a References section on the application form.

Please upload all documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application.

Complete applications received by June 1, 2026, will be given full consideration. The review process will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Professor Janet Ikeda at ikedaj@wlu.edu.

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Position Type:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Aplyr's read

Washington and Lee University is a prestigious liberal arts institution that values honor and integrity, attracting dedicated professionals committed to educational excellence.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong focus on undergraduate education fosters a vibrant academic environment.
•Commitment to honor and integrity creates a unique campus culture.
•Diverse range of roles offers varied career opportunities for job seekers.

What to watch

•Located in a small town, which may limit off-campus opportunities.
•High emphasis on tradition might not suit those seeking a dynamic change.
•Limited public information about career progression and internal mobility.

Why Washington and Lee University

•Honor system deeply ingrained in university culture, influencing all aspects of campus life.
•Offers a personalized educational experience with a low student-to-faculty ratio.
•Historic campus provides a distinctive and picturesque work environment.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

wlu.edu

View company

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia, known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a commitment to the values of honor and integrity.