"Part-Time Instructor - Astronomy and Physics"

Position Summary

This position is a part-time assignment, created to meet the instructional needs of the department in the following areas: Astronomy, Physics (Algebra-based with lab), Physics (Calculus-based with lab). Our part-time instructors teach introductory (1000-level) and intermediate (2000-level) courses for transfer, as well as terminal degree/certificate pathways. Course assignments will include teaching day and/or evening classes, primarily face-to-face modality, and in asynchronous online modality as required.

Overview of CCA

The Community College of Aurora serves our diverse community by providing high-quality instruction and support services to prepare students for transfer and employment. We are particularly interested in applicants that demonstrate a commitment to working with individuals and groups from diverse identities, including but not limited to: socioeconomic, cultural, sexual orientation, gender identity expression, disability, multilingual learners, veterans, non-traditional, race and ethnic backgrounds. More than 20 different languages and 60 countries are represented at CCA. In addition to traditional degree and certificate programs, CCA offers non-credit professional development courses, customized training, and economic and workforce development resources to employer partners and individual professionals seeking to enhance the capacity and productivity of their workforce or individual knowledge and skills. The college centers diversity, equity, and inclusion and we actively seek to employee partners who want to join us in working to reducing outcome gaps among our diverse student population.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans, activities, and assessments that lead students to the successful attainment of identified course competencies with assistance from the Department Chair/Lead Faculty.
• Evaluate student performance in accordance with student learning outcomes as stated in the course syllabus.
• Teach assigned classes in keeping with community college philosophy.
• Be knowledgeable about pedagogy, methods, retention, inclusion, and assessment of outcomes (or be available and willing to receive training in these areas).
• Provide the Department Chair/Lead Faculty with a copy of the course syllabus for review based on the scheduled due dates for the semesters.
• On the first day of class, provide students with a syllabus for the course that includes all components of the course model syllabus and the competencies established in the Colorado Common Course Numbering System (CCNS).
• Conduct student evaluations of instruction in accordance with established policies and procedures at the end of the semester.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance and grading of students in the college learning management system—Desire2Learn (D2L)—and submit required records according to published instructions and deadlines.
• Attend the required department/faculty meetings.
• Complete the mandatory trainings — D2L, New Faculty and Instructor Orientation, and Web Accessibility. Instructors must also complete the Foundations of Online Teaching and Learning training to be eligible for teaching online courses.
• Participate in coaching/mentoring and assessment initiatives established by Department Chair/Lead Faculty.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college/university, with 60 total credits in one of several related degrees listed below.
• OR Masters degree in related content area, AND 18 graduate credits in one of the related degrees listed below.
• Related Degrees: Physics, Physical Science with Physics emphasis, Astrophysics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Geophysics, Applied Physics, or Engineering Physics, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Materials Science, or Engineering.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to use a collegiate learning management system (LMS).
• Ability to teach courses in-person at the Centre Tech campus.
• Available to teach days and/or evenings.
• Experience in teaching introductory courses with lab work.
• Commitment to learning innovative ideas for classroom presentations and dynamic class interactions to engage student learning in a meaningful way.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing and implementing new curricular activities that impact student success.
• Ability to use D2L—Desire2Learn (D2L)—as the learning management system (LMS).
• Experience in 2-year college-level teaching.
• Ability to use instructional lab equipment for undergraduate Physics and Astronomy labs.
• PhD in Physics, Astronomy or a related degree as listed above.
• Demonstrated interest in engaging and impacting underrepresented students.

Supplemental Information

Salary Range: The starting rate is $1,178.00 per credit hour taught. Application Process: When submitting your online application, please include a cover letter, current resume, and professional references. Official transcripts showing the highest degree achieved should be submitted to HR@CCAurora.edu upon offer of employment. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact us at HR@CCAurora.edu.