Biology Instructor

Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive institution that places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. The Biology Instructor is responsible for providing quality and engaging instruction to LCC students through the use of seated and online courses, and through creative biology labs as needed to promote successful completion of degree requirements. The instructor is responsible for working with the department chair and dean to ensure that all student learning outcomes are met.

The duties of the Biology Instructor include, but are not limited to:

Mastery of Subject Matter

• Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge in the teaching discipline
• Display ability to interpret and evaluate the theories of the field or discipline
• Connect the subject matter with related fields
• Stay current in the subject matter through professional development; involvement in professional organizations; and attending professional meetings, conferences and/or workshops
• Learn and use technology to enhance teaching and the educational experience when appropriate

Teaching Performance

• Teach a course load appropriate to the teaching discipline
• Plan and organize instruction in ways that maximize student learning
• Employ appropriate teaching and learning strategies to communicate subject matter to students
• Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse student needs
• Employ available instructional technology, i.e. the Internet, interactive technology, etc., when appropriate
• Encourage the development of communication skills and higher-order thinking skills through appropriate student assignments
• Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives

Evaluation of Student Learning

• Establish and follow meaningful learning objectives
• Develop and explain methods that fairly measure student progress toward course objectives
• Evaluate student performance fairly and consistently and return student work promptly to promote maximum learning
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and submit final grades each semester according to established deadlines
• Demonstrate sensitivity to student needs and circumstances

Support of College Policies and Procedures

• Teach classes as assigned in a multi-campus environment
• Teach credit or non-credit courses in the teaching discipline as needed
• Post and maintain regular office hours to ensure accessibility to colleagues and to students for advisement and consultation
• Serve as faculty academic advisor for students
• Prepare, distribute, and submit syllabi and approved course outlines for all assigned sections in accordance with program and divisional policies
• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Substitute for other instructors in the teaching discipline in case of an absence
• Exercise stewardship of college facilities, materials, and resources
• Comply with responsibilities as cited in the Lenoir Community College Catalog, Faculty Handbook, Handbook for Distance Education, Policy Manual, and Procedures Manual

Participation in College, Division, Department, and Program Activities

• Serve on college committees as assigned
• Participate in meetings and events as required
• Respond in a timely manner to requests for information
• Support both part-time and full-time colleagues
• Contribute to program, department, and division curriculum development processes
• Participate in graduation ceremonies
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills in communication with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators as an individual or as a team member

Contribution to the Growth and Enhancement of College Mission and Programs

• Maintain familiarity with college goals, mission, and long-range plans
• Contribute to planning and development processes through appropriate mechanisms and channels
• Participate in professional activities that contribute to the educational goals of the College and its constituents
• Perform professional responsibilities in accordance with pertinent goals, mission, and plans of the College
• Participate in the marketing, recruitment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Other Duties

• Direct students in laboratory classes; train and supervise activities of students in lab settings; assist students with lab assignments and related activities
• Ensure that equipment, materials, and other resources, such as instructional aids are available for classes
• Take a lead role in maintaining lab equipment; and if needed, perform simple maintenance
• Make arrangements for equipment repairs when machines break down

Working Conditions

• Typical classroom and laboratory environments
• Typical online environment
• Frequent travel to local high schools and off-campus sites

• Master's degree in biology, botany, zoology, or a related biological science subfield or a master's degree and 18 graduate semester hours in biology, botany, zoology, or related biological science subfield from an institution accredited by a federally recognized institutional accreditor
• Previous teaching experience at a community college, university, or high school; experience using instructional technologies; and teaching online courses are preferred skills