Physics General Education Instructor, Adjunct

About the Role

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. This role focuses extensively on facilitating student learning associated with prescribed course and program learning outcomes. The instructor provides professional leadership and support, serving as an educator, role model, mentor, and facilitator. They create an educational environment that fosters innovation, responsiveness, and accountability, while providing program-specific expertise and actively engaging in relevant department initiatives.

Supports University, Campus, and/or departmental goals to assure compliance with programmatic accreditation and/or licensure, internal consistency, and graduate outcomes that meet student learning, workplace, and placement expectations. Actively and substantively participates in assessment of student learning activities to maximize the potential for students to meet prescribed outcomes. Vigorously upholds a culture of academic integrity.

Responsibilities

• Fulfills assigned teaching load and consistently follows the master course syllabus.
• Effectively uses the LMS to supplement instruction (e.g., adaptive learning and flipping the classroom).
• Participates in and contributes substantively to course and program-level assessment activities via a continuous improvement plan.
• Regularly contributes to improvement of course materials and syllabi within a prescribed shared governance culture.
• Employs a variety of teaching methodologies to facilitate observable evidence of student fulfillment of prescribed learning outcomes.
• Ensures all laboratory safety protocols and procedures are followed.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching, the teaching/learning process, and individual students.
• Keeps regular, approved office hours (for full-time faculty).
• Follows established University protocols for providing timely feedback and/or academic advising (e.g., Grades in Progress, student Letters of Concern).
• Demonstrates competence in teaching skills through student evaluations, peer evaluations (if assigned), self-evaluation, administration reviews, and documented student achievement of course learning outcomes.
• Mentors and takes an active interest in students; engages in 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).
• Attends Department, College, and University meetings/councils as arranged/approved by supervisor.
• Records and posts daily class attendance and grades as required; completes and submits assignments in a timely manner.
• Grades tests, quizzes, and lab assignments promptly, returning constructive feedback to students as soon as possible.
• Engages in systematic collection of student work for University outcomes assessment purposes.
• Maintains and uses the University’s officially approved syllabus template; prepares and 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, course/program development, and curriculum.
• Participates in student success activities, such as academic counseling and establishing internal resource contacts for student issues.
• Provides instructional support services to maintain high levels of student achievement while safeguarding the integrity of the educational process.
• Serves as a mentor, role model, and facilitator; provides guidance and academic support for students.
• Attends meetings to share information, guidelines, and procedures; coordinates activities and disseminates information across the department.
• Regularly attends and participates in program Learning Communities and Program Outcomes Assessment Committees.
• Participates in learning outcome review and program review.
• 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.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance; reports to work as scheduled and records time worked and/or time-off properly.
• Adheres to University policies and procedures, including the Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, and Sexual Harassment Policy.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or University information as required.
• Exercises care, proper use, and maintenance of department equipment and supplies; identifies unsafe conditions and makes adjustments.
• Maintains order, cleanliness, and safety at work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience & Skills

• Ability to demonstrate a clear criminal background history.
• Ability to maintain academic standards.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision.
• Thorough, accurate, and practical knowledge of their field or discipline.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate the theories of their field or discipline.
• Ability to effectively operate related instructional equipment and machines.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as computer terminals, calculators, and copiers.
• Ability to compile data entry via a computer terminal.
• Ability to manage and work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, including presentations and listening skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively before public groups, committees, and in meetings.
• Strong interpersonal skills, follow-through, attention to detail, and ability to motivate others.
• Creative facilitation and conflict resolution skills to resolve difficult and sensitive issues.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task, and function well under pressure of deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Good judgment and ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily, or as-needed basis, as well as occasional travel to other campuses or locations.
• Bilingual skills are a plus but not mandatory.