Job Title:

Adjunct Instructor

Department:

Requisition No:

Date Posted:

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Department Chair of Economics and Management, the adjunct professor/instructor(s) will teach one or more of the following courses in the 2008/2009 academic year:  Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, and/or Comparative Economics.  Other upper level elective courses will also be considered.  This is an ideal opportunity for working professionals in the field with an interest in part time academic teaching or late-stage doctoral students in economics looking to gain additional teaching experience. 

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Teaching/Facilitation

• Teaches one or more of the following courses in the 2008/2009 academic year:  Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, and/or Comparative Economics;
• Demonstrates an ability or potential for quality teaching, scholarly research, and service.
• Plans course syllabus and assignments for semester of study to meet Hood College and departmental curriculum requirements utilizing a variety of teaching techniques.
• Evaluates students' learning styles, interests, aptitudes, temperament, and individual characteristics to determine suitable level of instruction and assignments.
• Instructs students in course content and provides learning opportunities in and out of the classroom to achieve course objectives.
• Encourages class participation and provides assistance as appropriate to students in completing class assignments.  Manages classroom interactions and establishes and maintains a climate that encourages learning.
• Critiques performance on various assignments to measure the quality of learning, to build thinking skills, to challenge students’ assumptions, and to reinforce concepts, which may include practical application of new skills.
• Maintains regular office hours and contact with students as appropriate. Works with student to address problems and resolve issues.
• Determines grades for assignments and for overall achievement in class.  Provides appropriate documentation of grades to students and department as appropriate;
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrates the following competencies:

• Discipline Mastery:  Strong knowledge of subject matter; strong research skills; on-going interaction and/or development of skills related to discipline; 
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.  Presents classroom lectures that are coherent and logical;
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans;
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments;
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the academic work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events;
• Dependability: Commits resources necessary to assist students to reach goals;
• Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Graduate degree in economics with course work in the upper-level courses listed above or a graduate degree in economics or related field with research/work experience in the relevant economics field. 

Technology Skills

Proficiency in office productivity suite software (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to use available instructional technology resources to effectively teach in a manner conducive to classroom presentation including, but not limited to, use of audio visual equipment, computer, educational software, etc.

Language Skills

Proficiency in the communication of key concepts for the specific discipline in the English language and ability to assist students with English as a secondary language. Ability to read and interpret documents such as research studies, administrative policies, and journals, newspapers, etc. Ability to write lesson plans, respond to email messages, create routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students, faculty, staff, and other constituencies.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts as appropriate for particular discipline.  Higher-level concepts may be required for some disciplines.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to hypothesize, draw conclusions, and support conclusions. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; and walk; occasionally to use hands, fingers, and frequently to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Vision requirements include ability to read student assignments and grade appropriately.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Noise could include interaction with students, faculty, staff, and the public; other noise may be generated by office equipment including telephone, computers, and instructional equipment.  Evening or weekend hours could be required to support programs or special events.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and a current vita with names and contact information of two professional or academic references.  All inquiries and applications should be sent to Prof. Sang Kim via email (kim@hood.edu) or fax (301) 696-3771.

Hood College is committed to diversity in its faculty and staff and subscribes to a policy of hiring only individuals legally eligible to work in the United States. EOE

Revised 6/24/09