Physics General Education Instructor, Adjunct

Reporting directly to the campus Academic Dean and/or University Chair of General Education, the Instructor I, General Education supports the University in fulfillment of its mission, purpose and goals. Focuses on facilitating student learning associated with prescribed course and program learning outcomes, serving as an educator, role model, mentor, and facilitator. Creates an educational environment that fosters innovation, responsiveness, and accountability, while providing program-specific expertise and engaging in relevant department initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Fulfills assigned teaching load and consistently follows the master course syllabus.
• Effectively uses the Learning Management System (LMS) to supplement instruction (e.g., adaptive learning, flipping the classroom).
• Participates in and contributes substantively to course and program-level assessment activities via a continuous improvement plan.
• Regularly contributes to the improvement of course materials and syllabi within a shared governance culture.
• Employs a variety of teaching methodologies to facilitate observable evidence of student fulfillment of prescribed learning outcomes.
• Ensures adherence to all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching, the teaching/learning process, and individual students.
• Maintains regular, approved office hours (for full-time faculty).
• Follows University protocols for providing timely feedback and academic advising (e.g., Grades in Progress, student Letters of Concern).
• Demonstrates teaching competence through student evaluations, peer evaluations (if assigned), self-evaluation, administration reviews, and documented student achievement of course learning outcomes.
• Mentors students and takes an active interest in their success, including tutoring and remediation initiatives.
• Attends professional and teaching development activities as agreed upon with supervisor.
• Attends all faculty meetings (required for full-time faculty, strongly recommended for adjuncts).
• Participates in Department, College, and University meetings/councils as arranged/approved by supervisor.
• Maintains collegiality, professional, and ethical conduct.
• Maintains membership in a professional organization and develops connections within the professional community.
• Actively participates in General Education and University initiatives as assigned.
• Assists with gathering program data to ensure best practices and optimal student outcomes.
• Records and posts daily class attendance and grades as required, completes and submits assignments in a timely manner, and grades tests, quizzes, and lab assignments promptly, providing constructive feedback to students.
• Engages in systematic collection of student work for University outcomes assessment purposes.
• Uses the University-approved syllabus template and prepares/distributes master course syllabi in a timely fashion.
• Submits accurate grade-in-progress reports and posts final course grades as required.
• Assists with program activities to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, accrediting bodies, and University policies.
• Reviews and recommends improvements to course offerings, curriculum, and program development.
• Participates in student success activities, including academic counseling and establishing internal resource contacts for student issues.
• Provides instructional support services while safeguarding the integrity of the educational process.
• Serves as a mentor, role model, and facilitator for students.
• Attends meetings to share information, guidelines, and procedures, and coordinates departmental activities.
• Regularly participates in program Learning Communities and Program Outcomes Assessment Committees.
• Engages in learning outcome and program reviews.
• Follows proper procedures and channels of communication.
• Participates in professional development and organizations to remain current in the field.
• Maintains a professional appearance and is courteous and approachable to students.
• Adheres to University policies, including the Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, and Sexual Harassment Policy.
• Maintains confidentiality of student, associate, and University information.
• Exercises care in the use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in specialty field required.
• Certification(s) in area(s) of specialization required, if applicable.
• Documented background in educational methodology consistent with teaching assignments (e.g., education theory and practice, current concepts in the subject area, clinical practice experience, or distance education techniques).
• Must meet and maintain qualifications and standards set forth by accreditation bodies for the area of expertise and faculty expectations.
• Maintains any professional certifications deemed necessary for the teaching role.

Skills

• Clear criminal background history.
• Ability to maintain academic standards and work independently with general supervision.
• Thorough, accurate, and practical knowledge of the field or discipline.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate theories of the field or discipline.
• Effective operation of instructional equipment and office machines (e.g., computer terminal, calculator, copier).
• Ability to compile data entry via a computer terminal.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including presentations and active listening.
• Effective interpersonal skills, follow-through, attention to detail, and ability to motivate others.
• Creative facilitation and conflict resolution skills to address difficult and sensitive issues.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task, and work under pressure with deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels.
• Strong judgment and ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel locally on a weekly, daily, or as-needed basis, including occasional travel to other campuses or locations.
• Bilingual skills are a plus but not mandatory.