Job Details
Job Title: Part-Time Instructor of Political Science - School of Behavioral and Social Science - Modesto Junior College [contact details available in the full listing]
Site:: Modesto Junior College
Salary Range / Other:
The Hourly Range: $81.20 to $129.82
Doctorate Range: $95.68 to $133.23
(2026-2027 Certified Part-time Instructor/Overload Hourly Salary Schedule)
Part Time Faculty office Hours are paid at a flat rate of $40 per hour.
Benefits:
Not Eligible for Benefits:
With the exception of Workers’ Compensation coverage, not eligible to participate in the District’s benefit programs.
Scope of Assignment:
The successful candidate will join a Political Science department that continues to create curriculum responsive to student needs, increasing student completion through the implementation of strategies geared to increase student equity.
Minimum Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master’s in political science, government, or international relations OR Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, and any ethnic studies, Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) or Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.) OR the equivalent Determined by California State Chancellors Office.
Determined by California State Chancellor’s Office. Click hyperlink for discipline applicable Minimum Qualifications.
The District has adopted an equivalency procedure that enables consideration of applications by individuals who may not directly meet the qualifications listed above. For more information on equivalency, you may access the link below: https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/equivalency_policy_and_procedures
Knowledge of and ability to appraise the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. Sensitivity to the needs, problems and challenges associated with the diversity of the community college student population.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STANDARDS
- Mobility: ability to sit or stand for long periods, move about an office, and reach above and below desk level.
- Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes.
- Lifting: occasional lifting of papers, files, equipment and material weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
- Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
- Emotional/Psychological Factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others including some public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.
*Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Desirable Qualifications:
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
- Ability to develop curriculum or services that stress innovation and improve student equity.
- Enthusiasm for the learning process.
- Commitment to supportive relationships with students and colleagues.
- Participate in professional growth and remain current in subject area and major state initiatives.
- Ability to operate effectively in an environment of change and ambiguity.
- Vision and energy to plan and organize programs to enhance student success.
- Willingness to participate effectively in shared governance and to work collaboratively.
- Personal qualifications such as effective interpersonal communication skills, participation in community affairs, ability to conduct effective public presentations.
Desirable Professional Characteristics:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and/or experience in teaching in American Government and Politics at the community college level, with a particular emphasis in basic skills.
- Current knowledge of American Government and Politics
- Current understanding of assessment processes for improving student success at the course, program, and degree level.
- Competent in new pedagogies, such as facilitating simulations, and other pedagogies directed at improving student success and student equity.
- Recent experience working with African American/Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minoritized students in the classroom, and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education shape patterns of participation and outcomes;
- Willingness to examine and remediate one’s instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students;
- Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom;
- Experience and expertise in culturally responsive teaching in relation to political topics, especially as it relates to the relevancy of students’ lives, interests, and communities;
- Demonstrated ability to address equity gaps within coursework and the classroom;
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Hispanic-Serving designation for institutional, departmental, and instructional practices.
- Willingness to teach in-person classes on the Modesto Junior College campus.
Example of Duties:
GENERAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Part of the teaching assignment may be online, in the evening, and/or on Saturdays. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Teaching lower division college courses in American Government and Politics.
- Advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines.
- Informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance requirements.
- Preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress.
- Maintaining attendance, scholastic, and other records and submitting them according to published policies and deadlines.
- Developing, implementing, and assessing student-learning outcomes for courses and programs and using the results for improvement.
- Engaging in data inquiry and self-assessment to develop strategies for student success, persistence, and equity.
- Participating in professional development activities to fulfill mandatory FLEX requirements
- Maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/learning strategies to meet the needs of all learning styles.
- Maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications are accepted online only at: https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/employmentopportunities/
Select Job Openings, Select Search Jobs, Select Job Title, Create an account and Apply to this job.
Please note: The District does not integrate with the third party service of Interfolio; therefore, reference letters must be submitted along with the application documents required.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online application packets will be accepted including: YCCD Administrative online application, including contact information for at least three professional references. Resume Personal letter of interest Unofficial Transcripts
Those applicants selected for personal interview will be notified by email or phone. In accordance with Board policy official offers of employment will be made only by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor/Human Resources, YCCD. Final appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees.
Federal law requires the District employ only US citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. Written verification of employment eligibility is required.
TRANSCRIPTS: At the time an offer of assignment is made, proper salary placement is contingent upon receipt of OFFICIAL (sealed) transcripts. Instructors with advanced degrees and coursework shall be attached during the application process. An ORIGINAL of the evaluation(s) must be presented at the time of hire.
FOREIGN DEGREES: Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association. A copy of the evaluation must be attached during the application process. An ORIGINAL of the evaluation(s) must be presented at the time of hire.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
BACKGROUND CHECK: A background investigation of new employees is required, including reference checks and a state criminal history report. Employment will not begin until the history check has been cleared by Human Resources. The cost for the criminal history report will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
The District may hire more than one applicant from this applicant pool.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Yosemite Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of Yosemite Community College District (Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its educational programs and its employment practices. YCCD BP 3410 Nondiscrimination can be found at: https://www.yosemite.edu/trustees/board_policy/3410%20Nondiscrimination.pdf
Title IX Sexual Harassment regulations define Title IX Sexual Harassment to include four terms “as defined in” the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §§ 100.6(d), 104.8, and 106.9; and 28 C.F.R. § 35.106, the following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504/Title II policies:
District Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Yosemite Community College District
2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto, CA 95358
Open Date: 07/01/2026
Close Date: 06/30/2027
Open Until Filled: No
Organization
On behalf of everyone at the Yosemite Community College District Office, Modesto Junior College and Columbia College, we welcome you to our District. All of our employees throughout the District are dedicated to excellence in serving our students. Even with all the fiscal issues that we are facing within the State of California, our staff has been working miracles with continuously reduced budgets. We continue to serve our students well, and provide them with great opportunities and a quality education. As the Chancellor, I am very proud of their efforts and dedication.
One of my greatest challenges is to ensure the educational quality and fiscal stability of our institutions. One way this is accomplished is through long-range planning. There are many exciting things on the horizon for the Colleges of the YCCD - especially with all the construction and completion of our Measure E building projects. We are very grateful to the community for your support of these efforts. Students will benefit for years to come; we extend to you heartfelt thanks.
The Mission of the Yosemite Community College District is: "The YCCD is committed to responding to the needs of our diverse community through excellence in teaching, learning and support programs contributing to social, cultural and economic development and wellness." We take this mission statement seriously; it is the one key element that we base all our efforts on - it is our charge to provide excellent, meaningful service to the community.
As educators, we always focus on offering life-changing opportunities for our students; that is our business. One of the most enjoyable experiences in my 30 year higher education career has been witnessing lives changing right before my eyes as students graduate or achieve their educational goals. When they go on to create successful lives for themselves, their families and their communities I know we have done our job! This is the reward of the work that we collectively do at the Yosemite Community College District. I most cordially invite you to become more involved in our dynamic educational community called the YCCD.
Most sincerely,
Joan E. Smith, Ed.D.
Columbia College is a dynamic institution of learners and creative thinkers dedicated to high standards of student success. We prepare students to be fully engaged in an evolving world by offering comprehensive and high quality programs and services. Columbia College is committed to a culture of improvement through measuring student learning across the institution. We strive for excellence, foster a spirit of professionalism and embrace diversity.
Modesto Junior College, one of the oldest community colleges in the state, was organized in 1921 to serve the first junior college district established under a State Legislature Enabling Act. Modesto Junior College was established to meet the needs of the community. Today the college strives to maintain the same objective—that of dedication and service to the community.