School of Social Work MSW Program SocialWork@Simmons - Section Instructor

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Founded for equality 125 years ago, Simmons was one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, the university offers Boston's only women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all, continuing to innovate for the future with a six-school academic structure that leverages expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that strengthen communities.

About the role

This document describes the role of Section Instructor in the online platform of the MSW Program. The Section Instructor is responsible for the academic success of students enrolled in an online course in accordance with program and course objectives and course syllabi. Each Section Instructor should be highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for their assigned course, maintain expertise in the subject area, and use their experience and knowledge to help students meet the course objectives. The Section Instructor is expected to actively monitor and track individual student progress and provide support and direction as needed, both during and outside of class. Section Instructors are expected to model the NASW Code of Ethics in all interactions with Simmons students, faculty, and staff.

Courses are taught from a core syllabus approved by the School of Social Work curriculum committee. All faculty are expected to follow the approved syllabus, which includes competencies and practice behaviors required by CSWE. Any course modifications must be approved by the Course Manager, with final approval from MSW Program Leadership prior to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Teach material from approved curriculum in accordance with the syllabus and course design.
• Plan and lead asynchronous discussions and didactic sessions.
• Assume responsibility for the academic supervision and teaching of enrolled students.
• Provide full coverage for all scheduled synchronous sessions/live sessions and notify the Associate MSW Program Director in advance—or as soon as possible in the case of an emergency—regarding any absences, and confirm a plan to make up the content of the missed session.
• Maintain and evaluate records of student's academic and/or practicum performance within the grading systems of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the University.
• Provide constructive and timely feedback on asynchronous and required assignments within 7-10 days of assigned due dates for submission. The use of AI to grade student assignments is prohibited.
• Maintain all administrative/academic components of the course section, including grading of assignments, exams, and appropriate clinical activities.
• Respond to student questions within 24-48 hours with clarity and specificity.
• Foster and encourage an online culture of learning that values professionalism, accountability, empathy, life-long learning, respect for diversity, and ethically-minded practice, as well as personal and professional development.
• Maintain regular communication with the Faculty Mentor and Associate MSW Program Director regarding course progress, student performance, and any issues or concerns.
• Attend at least one online faculty meeting per term and meet with the Faculty Mentor.
• Participate in a collaborative annual evaluation for each course taught.
• Engage in training and other activities required as part of employment with the University.

Requirements

• A master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited CSWE program is required (except for research-focused courses).
• A minimum of 5 years post-MSW experience is required.
• Highest level of clinical licensure is required to teach clinical and practicum courses.
• PhD or DSW in Social Work preferred.
• Graduate level teaching experience preferred.
• Online teaching experience preferred.

Proprietary Issues

The online courses and materials relating hereto, in whatever form, offered by Simmons University are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University. All models, curricula, programs, materials, and systems designed or developed by faculty engaged by Simmons University in connection with the teaching of such courses shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University.

Training & Technology

Simmons University provides all Section Instructors with tailored training for online and hybrid course delivery models. All Section Instructors are expected to stay up to date on required training, including internet security and other compliance-related topics. Instructors are expected to engage in training for the learning management system (LMS), meet with a faculty mentor to review the syllabus and course requirements, and participate in an annual evaluation for each course they teach. In addition, instructors should ensure that all current licensure information is forwarded and kept on file as needed.

Adjunct Faculty are required to provide their own hardware (PC or Mac Computer), software, and internet access to facilitate the online courses at Simmons University. Simmons University is not responsible for the purchase, upgrade, or maintenance of online instructor's telephone, computer, and Internet service. Required software for courses will be provided at no additional cost to the instructor.

• Wired high-speed internet connection (8Mbps download & 3Mbps upload minimum speeds).
• Full-powered laptop or desktop computer that is less than 3 years old (not a netbook tablet).
• Up-to-date operating system (old operating systems such as Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 are NOT supported).
• Webcam (laptops with integrated webcams usually work very well).
• Phone (need excellent reception where you plan to teach if using a mobile phone).
• Headset for your phone (be sure the headset includes a microphone).

Note: Simmons University will consult with Instructors to help determine if their technology is compatible.

Pay

$5,075 per course. This is a non-benefits eligible position. Compensation for adjunct faculty is established at a set rate per course and does not vary based on experience, education, or other factors.