Instructor, Astronomy - Adjunct

responsible for quality instruction and for effective participation and interest in the total affairs of the college.

Under general supervision, this individual will prepare and teach astronomy courses designed for transfer and support of career technical programs. The faculty member must be able to instruct a wide variety of topics within the curriculum in a laboratory environment and may be required to teach day, evening and/or weekend hours.

Duties/Functions

Teaching
Prepare & teach departmental courses to include:

• developing learner centered lesson plans
• employing teaching strategies & instructional materials for different learning styles
• incorporating, as pedagogically appropriate, current technology in classroom, distance learning and laboratory environments
• creating and modeling a quality learning environment that supports a diverse student population
• preparing, distributing and utilizing instructional support materials, including course syllabi, supplementary materials, instructional media and other devices as appropriate
• conducting appropriate assessment of student learning outcomes in courses and programs/general education as appropriate

Professional Development
Maintain a professional status that supports the instructional mission by:

• participating in professional development activities to maintain currency in field; maintaining current credentials or licensures as required by program or accreditation
• participating in professional development opportunities to advance teaching skills and strategies

Administration
Provide daily & ongoing oversight of facilities, equipment and student records to include:

• maintaining classroom and laboratory spaces including upkeep of assigned equipment
• providing for the security of facilities, equipment and instructional materials and maintaining safe working conditions
• maintaining student records (e.g., grades and attendance) in accordance with established deadlines using a variety of technology-based programs (e.g., Colleague, WebAdvisor, Moodle)
• complying with all applicable college, state and federal rules and regulations

Student Support
Provide an environment conducive to student success to include:

• addressing student concerns in a timely manner
• promoting retention/persistence by assisting students to develop strategies for success
• referring students to campus and community resources when appropriate

Demonstrate and model the College’s employability skills: adaptability, communication, information processing, problem solving, responsibility and teamwork.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education Required

• Master’s degree in Astronomy or a related field (e.g., Planetary Science, Astrophysics) from a regionally accredited university with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hour credits in Astronomy

Education Preferred

• Doctoral degree in Astronomy or related field from a regionally accredited university

Experience Required

• Post-secondary teaching experience in Astronomy.

Experience Preferred

• Experience with assessment of student learning outcomes
• Experience with distance learning and/or alternate instructional delivery systems
• Community college teaching experience