Sessional Lecturer Jobs in American Samoa

🎓 What is a Sessional Lecturer?

A Sessional Lecturer, also known as a sessional instructor or term lecturer, is a temporary academic professional hired to teach specific courses during a defined academic session, such as a semester or term. This position fills short-term teaching needs when full-time faculty are unavailable due to leaves, sabbaticals, or enrollment surges. The term 'sessional' derives from 'session,' emphasizing the contract's limited duration, typically 3-6 months.

In higher education, Sessional Lecturer jobs provide flexibility for academics balancing multiple roles, research, or other careers. While prevalent in countries like Canada and Australia, similar positions exist in U.S. territories including American Samoa, often labeled as adjunct or part-time lecturers. These roles emerged in the mid-20th century as universities expanded access to education amid growing student numbers, relying on contingent faculty to manage variable demands cost-effectively.

Roles and Responsibilities of Sessional Lecturers

Sessional Lecturers focus primarily on instruction. Core duties include:

• Delivering lectures and facilitating seminars for assigned courses.
• Designing syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments aligned with institutional standards.
• Grading exams, papers, and projects while providing constructive feedback.
• Holding office hours to support student queries and academic advising.
• Occasionally participating in departmental meetings or curriculum reviews.

Unlike tenure-track roles, research or service commitments are minimal, allowing concentration on teaching excellence. In practice, a Sessional Lecturer at a community college might teach introductory biology to 30 students, incorporating interactive elements to engage diverse learners.

Required Qualifications for Sessional Lecturer Positions

To secure Sessional Lecturer jobs, candidates need strong academic credentials and practical skills.

Academic Qualifications

A master's degree is often the minimum, with a PhD in the relevant field preferred, especially for advanced courses. For example, teaching nursing requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Demonstrated subject mastery through prior coursework, publications, or professional experience. In American Samoa, expertise in Pacific Island studies, marine science, or Samoan language adds value.

Preferred Experience

Prior teaching at the postsecondary level, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 2-5 journal articles), or securing small grants. Experience with diverse student populations is key.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas or Moodle.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Time management for balancing teaching and preparation.

Crafting a strong academic CV highlighting these can boost applications.

Sessional Lecturers in American Samoa

Higher education in American Samoa centers on American Samoa Community College (ASCC), the territory's primary institution offering associate degrees and certificates. Sessional Lecturer positions here mirror U.S. adjunct roles, supporting programs in liberal arts, business, nursing, and elementary education. With a small population of about 45,000, opportunities arise periodically to address staffing gaps, especially in high-demand areas like healthcare and trades.

For instance, ASCC frequently seeks instructors for summer sessions. These jobs offer local professionals a way to contribute while accommodating community commitments. Salaries typically range from $3,500-$5,500 per three-credit course, reflecting U.S. territory pay scales adjusted for cost of living.

How to Pursue Sessional Lecturer Jobs

Start by monitoring job boards and institutional sites. Tailor applications with teaching philosophy statements and sample syllabi. Gain experience through tutoring or guest lecturing. Networking at university lecturer paths events helps.

Actionable steps:

• Update your profile on sites like AcademicJobs.com university jobs.
• Seek feedback on mock lectures.
• Build a teaching portfolio with student evaluations.

Key Definitions

Academic Session

A structured period of instruction, such as fall (August-December) or spring (January-May), defining the contract length for Sessional Lecturers.

Adjunct Faculty

U.S. term for part-time instructors similar to Sessional Lecturers, paid per course without benefits.

Tenure-Track

Full-time path leading to permanent employment after probation, contrasting sessional temporality.

Next Steps for Your Career

Ready to explore Sessional Lecturer jobs? Browse openings on higher-ed-jobs, gain insights from higher-ed career advice, search university-jobs, or if hiring, post a job today.