Prairie State College Jobs & Careers

🎓 Overview of Prairie State College

Prairie State College (PSC), located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, is a vibrant community college serving the south suburbs of Chicago since 1966. Serving over 5,000 students annually, PSC offers associate degrees, certificates, and pathways to four-year universities. Jobs at Prairie State College span teaching, administration, and support roles, making it an attractive employer for educators passionate about accessible higher education. The college emphasizes student success through affordable tuition (around $4,500 per year for in-district students) and small class sizes, creating a supportive environment for faculty and staff.

Careers here focus on community impact, with positions in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and early childhood education. Whether you're seeking adjunct professor jobs at Prairie State College or full-time roles, the institution values dedication to diverse student populations from urban and suburban backgrounds.

History and Mission of Prairie State College

Founded as Bloom Township Community College in 1966, Prairie State College evolved to its current name in 2007, reflecting its prairie landscape setting. The 150-acre campus features modern facilities like the Natural Sciences building and performing arts center. PSC's mission centers on open-access education, workforce development, and transfer programs, aligning with Illinois community college standards.

This history shapes jobs at Prairie State College, prioritizing instructors who can bridge vocational training and academic preparation. The college has grown enrollment by 20% in recent years, driven by programs in allied health and cybersecurity, increasing demand for specialized faculty.

Types of Jobs at Prairie State College

Prairie State College offers diverse opportunities. Faculty roles include adjunct and full-time instructors in disciplines like biology, English, and computer information systems. Administrative positions cover enrollment services, financial aid, and HR. Support staff jobs involve tutoring centers, library services, and maintenance.

• Adjunct Faculty: Part-time teaching, flexible schedules.
• Full-Time Faculty: Tenure-track with benefits.
• Professional Staff: Counselors, coordinators.
• Classified Staff: Clerical, technical roles.

For detailed university job types, explore our comprehensive guide. Popular openings include nursing instructors due to the Associate Degree in Nursing program's accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Definitions

Understanding key terms helps navigate jobs at Prairie State College:

• Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits, common in community colleges.
• Tenure-Track Faculty: Full-time position leading to permanent employment after evaluation periods, emphasizing teaching excellence.
• Community College: Two-year institution offering affordable associate degrees and vocational training for transfer or direct workforce entry.
• Transfer Pathways: Articulation agreements with universities like Governors State for seamless bachelor's degree transitions.

Required Academic Qualifications

For faculty jobs at Prairie State College, a master's degree minimum is standard per Higher Learning Commission accreditation. PhD preferred for arts and sciences. Health programs require specific credentials like RN licensure for nursing instructors. Admin roles need bachelor's in relevant fields, e.g., education for counselors.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

While teaching-focused, PSC encourages applied research. Expertise in STEM grants (e.g., National Science Foundation), ESL pedagogy for diverse learners, or industry partnerships in manufacturing suits roles. Faculty often lead student projects in robotics or sustainability.

Preferred Experience

Employers seek 2-5 years teaching experience, publications in community college journals, grant writing success, and online teaching proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS). Industry experience valued for vocational programs like welding or IT.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include cultural competency for 40% minority students, data-driven instruction, collaboration with K-12 partners, and tech integration. Soft skills: empathy, adaptability, student retention strategies.

• Communication: Clear lesson delivery.
• Technology: LMS, hybrid teaching.
• Leadership: Committee service.

Application Process and Tips

Monitor PSC's HR site for postings. Submit cover letter, resume, transcripts, and teaching philosophy. Tips: Highlight community college experience; use winning academic CV strategies; attend job fairs; network via LinkedIn. Interviews involve demo lessons; prepare for equity questions. Follow up politely.

1. Customize documents to job description.
2. Reference PSC's strategic plan.
3. Practice inclusive teaching examples.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

PSC's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) plan includes TRIO programs for first-gen students, Latinx faculty recruitment, and bias training. The college hosts Pride events, Black History Month series, and has 25% diverse faculty goal. Employee Resource Groups support underrepresented staff.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

PSC offers 35-hour weeks, generous PTO (20 days/year), health insurance, and retirement matching. Campus perks: fitness center, cafeteria, employee wellness days. Proximity to Chicago (30 miles) allows city access; suburban setting provides quiet living. Professional development fund ($1,000/year) aids growth. Faculty unions ensure fair contracts.

Why Choose Jobs at Prairie State College?

Joining PSC means impacting local communities, with growth opportunities in expanding programs. Salaries competitive for region; adjuncts can teach multiple sections. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or community college jobs. For employers, visit recruitment or post a job.

Ready for your next step? Browse openings and apply today.