Position Description
Jackson College seeks an English Adjunct Instructor with substantial, demonstrated experience in classical education to support the development and delivery of English courses within the College’s Classical Curriculum pathway. The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in classical literature, rhetoric, close reading, writing, and discussion-based teaching, along with practical experience designing or teaching courses grounded in the classical tradition. Experience with classical curriculum is a central qualification for this appointment, not simply an additional area of interest.
This position is part-time, with anticipated in-person instructional and curriculum-development needs at the College’s central campus in Jackson, Michigan. Teaching assignments are based on institutional needs and enrollment, vary by semester, and are not guaranteed. The College also maintains English adjunct assignments in its Correctional Education Program at Gus Harrison Correctional Facility (Adrian, MI) and St. Louis Correctional Facility (St. Louis, MI); any such assignment would be separately determined.
Essential Functions
Classical Curriculum Instruction: Teach assigned English courses using a classical approach to literature, composition, rhetoric, and inquiry while meeting approved course syllabi and learning outcomes.
Curriculum Design and Development: Collaborate with English faculty and academic leadership to design, refine, and implement classical English course content, reading lists, assignments, and assessments appropriate for college-level learners.
Primary-Text Teaching: Guide students through sustained, close reading of influential works in the Western classical and literary traditions; place texts in historical, philosophical, and cultural context and engage relevant perspectives thoughtfully.
Classical Pedagogy: Use seminar-style dialogue, Socratic questioning, discussion, textual analysis, structured writing, and rhetoric to strengthen students’ reasoning, interpretation, and communication.
Writing and Rhetoric: Teach clear, evidence-based analytical and persuasive writing, including thesis development, argumentation, revision, and appropriate documentation of sources.
Assessment and Feedback: Evaluate student learning against approved outcomes; provide timely, substantive feedback; use evidence of learning to refine instruction and contribute to College assessment expectations.
Student Success and Classroom Climate: Build a rigorous, inclusive, and respectful learning environment; support students with varied educational backgrounds and connect them to campus resources.
Academic Collaboration: Coordinate with faculty and academic leadership to ensure the classical English course fits the broader Classical Curriculum pathway and departmental expectations.
Administrative and Policy Responsibilities: Maintain records and submit attendance, grades, and required documentation by deadlines; uphold academic integrity, College policies, accreditation requirements, and applicable laws.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in English or an English subdiscipline (including American or British Literature, English Studies, Literary Studies/Theory, Rhetoric, Rhetoric and Composition, or Creative Writing); OR a master’s degree or higher in another discipline with at least 18 graduate credit hours in English. Graduate coursework must include at least 6 credit hours in writing or reading pedagogy or rhetoric and composition.
Demonstrated professional experience teaching or developing a Classical Curriculum, classical literature, classical rhetoric, or a comparably structured classical humanities course in a college, school, or established classical education program.
Ability to explain and apply classical instructional methods, including primary-text analysis, Socratic discussion, and instruction in rhetoric and argumentative writing.
Ability to teach college-level English and assess student learning in alignment with approved outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
College-level teaching experience in a classical liberal arts or Great Books curriculum, or experience teaching in an institution with an established classical education model.
Experience designing a classical English, rhetoric, composition, or humanities course, including selection and sequencing of primary texts.
Deep familiarity with classical and foundational literary texts and rhetorical traditions, including Greek and Roman works and their later influence on English literature.
Experience facilitating discussion-based seminars and evaluating interpretive, analytical, and persuasive student writing.
Experience adapting rigorous classical content for students with varied academic preparation, including community college populations.
Required Application Materials
In addition to the College’s standard application materials, candidates should submit (1) a brief statement describing their direct experience with classical curriculum and classical teaching methods; and (2) a sample syllabus, course outline, reading list, or teaching portfolio that demonstrates that experience. Finalists may be asked to deliver a short teaching demonstration or discuss a proposed classical English course.
Accessibility and Institutional Responsibilities
Adjuncts are required to ensure full and timely compliance with all approved student accessibility accommodations and to provide equitable access to course materials, instruction, assessments, and learning activities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, College policies, and established accessibility procedures. Adjuncts are expected to work collaboratively with the College’s Accommodations and Student Resources staff to implement approved accommodations while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and academic standards.
Adjunct instructors may also participate in limited departmental meetings or professional development activities as requested.
Supplemental Information
Jackson College only accepts on-line applications though this system. For assistance with this, please call [contact details available in the full listing].
Please use your legal first and last names on your application. If you are selected, you will have the opportunity to identify and utilize your preferred name.
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess (even if you are repeating it from your resume or cover letter). For instance, do not say, "See Resume." Your resume and an unofficial transcript for the degree required must be attached to your application. Applications will be rejected if incomplete.
When you apply for the position, you will get to the document upload area where you will be given an opportunity to attach your documents. Instructions will also be found there.
Unofficial transcripts may be used as part of the selection process however those selected to teach at Jackson College will be required to provide official transcripts for all degrees held. Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background as part of the employment process.
Jackson College is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.
Adjunct instructors are not employed directly by Jackson College with the exception of those receiving a pension from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System. All others are employed by EDUStaff, LLC. If you are selected to teach at Jackson College you will be required to complete EDUStaff's employment application and on-boarding processes.
A copy of Jackson College's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report is available on the JC Campus Safety & Security website. The security report contains crime statistics for the previous three years for all of our campus locations and the annual fire safety report, which contains statistics for any reported fires in campus housing units and fire safety systems in these buildings. Additionally, the report contains policies, available resources and information concerning personal safety, fire safety and reporting procedures for both crimes and fires.
Applicants have rights under Federal employment laws. Jackson College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.
