Non-Credit Paralegal Certificate Program Instructor - Tort Law

Responsibilities

• Course Delivery & Preparation
• Instruction: Serve as the instructor for the Tort Law module for both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 cohorts, delivering 39 total instructional hours per cohort.
• Course Logistics: Conduct all scheduled class sessions on time and for the full instructional period. Maintain accurate attendance records for each session and ensure that Zoom recordings are uploaded and made available in Canvas within 24 hours of the class meeting.
• Syllabus & LMS Management: Update the Google Doc syllabus at least 2 weeks prior to the start of class. Review and update the Canvas course shell (removing old/unused resources) so it is ready to publish at least 1 week before class begins.
• Instructional Design & Accessibility: Collaborate with an Instructional Design (ID) team member to ensure uniformity in Canvas style. Ensure all course materials meet required accessibility standards. (Optional: Developing asynchronous content with the ID team may be available at the instructor's discretion).
• Student Communication: Send a welcome email and Canvas notification with the syllabus and first-day expectations to enrolled students 1 week before the first class (cc'ing the Program Coordinator).
• Student Support & Service Standards
• Email Responsiveness: Beginning 2 weeks before the module start date, monitor your UD email regularly and respond to student and staff inquiries within one business day whenever possible and no later than two business days.
• Office Hours: Host one 1-hour drop-in office hours session the week before the midterm exam, and another 1-hour session the week before the final exam.
• Grading: Return graded assignments within 1 week of submission. Report final module grades to PCS within 5 business days of the final class.
• Professional Training & Administrative Compliance
• Complete the Getting Started with Online Teaching short course in Canvas and submit the certificate to the Program Coordinator. Complete additional mandatory training from the Center for Innovation in Lifelong Learning and Teaching (CILLT) when it becomes available.
• Notify the Program Coordinator and students immediately if you are running late or unable to attend a scheduled class.
• Obtain necessary copyright permissions for all course materials and disclose any proprietary interests or external compensation related to presentation materials prior to the course.
• Program Events & Attendance
• Attend Spring and Fall Info Sessions (unless absence is pre-approved).
• Attend the 2027 Fall Paralegal cohort virtual kick-off ceremony on Wednesday, September 8, 2027 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM).
• Instructors are encouraged to attend the cohort graduation ceremony (traditionally scheduled near mid-August).

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Licensure: Active bar admission in good standing preferred.
• Experience: Demonstrated professional experience and subject matter expertise in Tort Law. Experience teaching paralegal, legal studies, or related coursework, as well as facilitating learning in adult education or workforce development environments, is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency with virtual meeting and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom). Ability to quickly learn and utilize technology platforms, including the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Core Competencies: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills