Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes

"Beyond Words: WISLI’s Unique Approach to Language Instruction"

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Teaching at WISLI

All job postings to teach at WISLI are posted to the Jobs at UW portal (jobs.wisc.edu). Prospective instructors must submit a complete application through the Jobs at UW portal to be considered for employment. The next application cycle for summer 2026 will open in late fall. Program dates are June 15-August 7, 2026.

Hiring decisions are contingent upon enrollment numbers. Therefore, it may not be until April that a final decision is made on your instructor application. will send contingency offers to inform applicants that they have been officially selected as the instructor for a particular course pending its confirmation.

Online instructors are required to adhere to WISLI’s Remote Programming Guidelines, which includes maintaining a reliable internet connection for the duration of the program. 

What does intensive language instruction look like at WISLI?

Student-centered, proficiency-oriented courses

Our small class sizes are proficiency-driven with the primary goal of developing learners’ language abilities and knowledge to navigate a wide range of real-world situations. Co-curricular programming provide additional language practice and cultural learning opportunities. Working with campus partners, WISLI employs effective teaching strategies and student-centered practices.

Instructor Community and Professional Development

Before classes begin, instructors participate in a Pre-service Orientation Week designed to provide resources and training to support their success at WISLI and beyond. During this week, instructors:

  • Explore teaching tools and share best practices for intensive, proficiency-based language instruction;

  • Collaborate with campus partners on strategies to support students and create engaging classroom environments;

  • Participate in pedagogy workshops on current topics in language education (e.g., differentiated instruction, local LCTL assessments, task-based learning, building community in online courses).

Additional training and workshops are offered throughout the summer. Instructors also have ongoing opportunities to network, learn from one another, and receive guidance from their program’s Academic Coordinator.

Schedule

All classes (in-person and online) meet synchronously for 4 hours day, Monday-Friday. The 2025 course schedule was 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CST), with an hour break from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The only exception is the asynchronous Intensive Summer Multilanguage Institute (MULTI).

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.

Instructor Voices

Teaching at WISLI has been a truly enriching experience, combining language learning with cultural connection in a good community.

– Summer 2025 Instructor

My time teaching at WISLI was inspiring—I saw incredible growth in my students and enjoyed being part of such a supportive academic community!

– Summer 2025 Instructor

Even in the intensive online setting, WISLI fostered a vibrant, supportive community where students and instructors could connect, collaborate, and grow together. Also, teaching in WISLI’s intensive online program was both challenging and deeply rewarding—it showed me how technology and dedication can create a truly immersive language-learning experience.

– Rachayta G., Summer 2025 Instructor

Teaching at WISLI has been an engaging, rewarding, and deeply satisfying experience—not only did I have the opportunity to share knowledge, but I also continued learning alongside a motivated and diverse group of students.

– Arun S., Summer 2025 Instructor