Adjunct Faculty, SAGE History and Culture

students aged 60 and older. The instructor must remain current in their discipline and continuously explore teaching methods and strategies that effectively engage older adult learners. This includes organizing and delivering instructional content that accommodates diverse learning styles, life experiences, and physical or cognitive considerations common to senior learners. The instructor must also implement appropriate assessment tools that monitor participation and learning progress. The instructor is expected to participate in related activities such as professional development and curriculum design to support the goals of lifelong learning for the senior population.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in History, Art History, Music, Cultural Studies, African American Studies, Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Education, or a related field required. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree depending on the course content/subject matter.
• Professional certification, licensure, registry, or other credentialing as required for the specific discipline or content area.
• Specialized experience in teaching or working with older adults (age 60+), including an understanding of age-related learning needs, cognitive and physical changes, and how these affect instructional strategies.

Criteria
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plan, organize, and teach curriculum content in alignment with course goals and learning outcomes.
• Utilize appropriate technology and adult learning principles to deliver course content through various instructional modalities (e.g., face-to-face, hybrid, online, or remote).
• Complete mandatory institutional trainings and professional development activities as required.
• Prepare a course syllabus in accordance with department and division guidelines.
• Facilitate engaging and accessible instructional activities that support student learning.
• Monitor and document student participation and progress using tools or methods provided by the department; share feedback as needed.
• Provide an orientation during the first class session that includes (as applicable) an overview of the course syllabus, objectives, expectations, attendance policy, and required materials.
• Inform students of key course dates and any necessary schedule or content adjustments.
• Maintain accurate attendance and participation records; submit required documentation by established deadlines.
• Participate in departmental evaluation and course assessment activities as directed.
• Respond to student emails and phone calls within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays); maintain regular communication using the assigned PGCC email account.
• Attend all required departmental and institutional meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of subject matter and demonstrated expertise in the relevant discipline or content area.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, particularly as they relate to older adult learners (age 60+), including cognitive, physical, and sensory considerations.
• Knowledge of safe handling of tools and materials, particularly for media such as stained glass, ceramics, or photography equipment.
• Understanding of age-related needs, including ergonomic adaptations, pacing, and accessibility for older adult learners.
• Knowledge of best practices for inclusive instruction, learner engagement, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Working knowledge of Canvas or comparable learning management systems, including course design, content organization, and assessment tools.
• Familiarity with instructional technologies, including videoconferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom), presentation tools, and internet-based educational resources.
• Knowledge of common barriers to learning faced by senior populations and strategies to mitigate them.
• Awareness of community-based lifelong learning models and the purpose of non-credit enrichment programming.

Skills

• Skill in planning, delivering, and assessing effective instruction across a variety of formats (face-to-face, online, hybrid, remote).
• Skill in using instructional technology to enhance learning, communication, and engagement.
• Basic digital literacy, especially for photography or any class involving digital presentations or email communication.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in standard English; multilingual skills are a plus, especially in languages commonly spoken by the local senior population.
• Skill in time management, organization, and lesson preparation.
• Skill in problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution within the classroom setting.
• Skill in creating a respectful and positive learning environment that supports student participation and success.

Abilities

• Ability to teach and support diverse learners, including individuals with varied educational backgrounds, life experiences, and physical or cognitive abilities.
• Ability to adapt instructional materials and approaches for older adult learners and to accommodate different learning styles.
• Ability to design and deliver hands-on, project-based instruction that fosters creativity, skill-building, and enjoyment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to teach in non-traditional settings and schedules, including evenings, weekends, off-campus sites, and short-term/accelerated courses.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to support learners with varying levels of digital literacy and to troubleshoot basic technology issues.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm when working with older adult learners.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with classroom instruction, including occasionally lifting or moving materials weighing 5–25 pounds.
• Ability to meet additional requirements as needed for specific content areas (e.g., health clearances, background checks, physical activity facilitation).

Job Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
• A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment. A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Please submit a 13 to 15 week syllabus or a lesson plan as part of your application package
• The salary range for Continuing Education part time faculty position is $15 – $70 per contact hour depending on the education and experience