Adjunct Faculty, SAGE History and Culture

About the role

The SAGE (Seasoned Adults Growing Educationally) Program is seeking an engaging and organized History and Culture Instructor to teach non-credit enrichment courses for older adult learners.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and teach curriculum content in alignment with course goals and learning outcomes.
• Utilize appropriate technology and adult learning principles to deliver course content through various instructional modalities (e.g., face-to-face, hybrid, online, or remote).
• Complete mandatory institutional trainings and professional development activities as required.
• Prepare a course syllabus in accordance with department and division guidelines.
• Facilitate engaging and accessible instructional activities that support student learning.
• Monitor and document student participation and progress using tools or methods provided by the department; share feedback as needed.
• Provide an orientation during the first class session that includes (as applicable) an overview of the course syllabus, objectives, expectations, attendance policy, and required materials.
• Inform students of key course dates and any necessary schedule or content adjustments.
• Maintain accurate attendance and participation records; submit required documentation by established deadlines.
• Participate in departmental evaluation and course assessment activities as directed.
• Respond to student emails and phone calls within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays); maintain regular communication using the assigned PGCC email account.
• Attend all required departmental and institutional meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in History, Art History, Music, Cultural Studies, African American Studies, Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Education, or a related field required.
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree depending on the course content/subject matter.
• Professional certification, licensure, registry, or other credentialing as required for the specific discipline or content area.
• Specialized experience in teaching or working with older adults (age 60+) including an understanding of age-related learning needs, cognitive and physical changes, and how these affect instructional strategies.

Skills

• Knowledge of subject matter and demonstrated expertise in the relevant discipline or content area.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, particularly as they relate to older adult learners (age 60+), including cognitive, physical, and sensory considerations.
• Knowledge of safe handling of tools and materials, particularly for media such as stained glass, ceramics, or photography equipment.
• Understanding of age-related needs, including ergonomic adaptations, pacing, and accessibility for older adult learners.
• Knowledge of best practices for inclusive instruction, learner engagement, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Working knowledge of Canvas or comparable learning management systems, including course design, content organization, and assessment tools.
• Familiarity with instructional technologies, including videoconferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom), presentation tools, and internet-based educational resources.
• Knowledge of common barriers to learning faced by senior populations and strategies to mitigate them.
• Awareness of community-based lifelong learning models and the purpose of non-credit enrichment programming.
• Skill in planning, delivering, and assessing effective instruction across a variety of formats (face-to-face, online, hybrid, remote).
• Basic digital literacy, especially for photography or any class involving digital presentations or email communication.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in standard English; multilingual skills are a plus, especially in languages commonly spoken by the local senior population.
• Skill in time management, organization, and lesson preparation.
• Skill in problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution within the classroom setting.
• Ability to teach and support diverse learners, including individuals with varied educational backgrounds, life experiences, and physical or cognitive abilities.
• Ability to adapt instructional materials and approaches for older adult learners and to accommodate different learning styles.
• Ability to design and deliver hands-on, project-based instruction that fosters creativity, skill-building, and enjoyment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to teach in non-traditional settings and schedules, including evenings, weekends, off-campus sites, and short-term/accelerated courses.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to support learners with varying levels of digital literacy and to troubleshoot basic technology issues.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm when working with older adult learners.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with classroom instruction, including occasionally lifting or moving materials weighing 5–25 pounds.
• Ability to meet additional requirements as needed for specific content areas (e.g., health clearances, background checks, physical activity facilitation).

Benefits

This position is not a remote position and requires teaching on-site.

Pay

The salary range for Continuing Education part time faculty position is $15 – $70 per contact hour depending on the education and experience.

Schedule

This position is not a remote position and requires teaching on-site.