Instructor of Speech

About the role

The Instructor of Speech performs the function of teaching with renewable contracts. Not eligible for tenure.

Responsibilities

• Providing instruction for 100-level, public address and professional presentation courses.
• Maintaining a 4/4 instructional load.
• Holding office hours and conferencing with students individually.
• Developing, implementing, and sharing successful strategies for teaching speech courses.
• Assessing student competencies based on course objectives/outcomes.
• Participating in professional and departmental development.
• Contributing to a collaborative culture.
• Opportunities to teach 200 or 300 level courses, online courses, and/or courses during summer and intersessions may also be possible.
• Instructors are expected to be available for in-person instruction and be familiar with online learning management systems.

Requirements

• A Master’s in Communication or a master’s in a similar field with 18 hours of graduate level communication courses is required.
• The qualifying degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.
• The successful candidate will have a record of teaching excellence and innovation, especially with introductory public speaking courses and/or academically specific, themed sections of oral communication and public speaking.
• Consideration also given to candidates with expertise in teaching specific areas of speech communication (e.g. interpersonal, small-group, organizational, health, etc.).

Qualifications

• A Master's in Communication (Required)

Skills

• Teaching excellence and innovation
• Introductory public speaking courses
• Academically specific, themed sections of oral communication and public speaking
• Expertise in teaching specific areas of speech communication (e.g. interpersonal, small-group, organizational, health, etc.)

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit (via the online application portal): a cover letter, vita, teaching portfolio, and contact information for three references who are highly familiar with the candidate’s teaching. The teaching portfolio should include a teaching philosophy with a statement on teaching and diversity, multiple measures of teaching effectiveness (quantitative and qualitative), a syllabus for an introductory public speaking course at the first-year level and/or an additional speech communication course, and any additional evidence of student learning. References will be contacted later in the search process with permission. All applicants who apply by September 10, 2026 will receive full consideration, though the position will remain open until filled or until an adequate applicant pool is established.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.