Teaching Specialist-Undergraduate and Individualized Degrees

About the Job

This part-time faculty position is responsible for University of Minnesota online course instruction as appointed by the Individualized Degrees Unit in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS). The teaching specialist in this role teaches a writing intensive course through which students in individualized degrees write their required degree proposal. The position includes requirements for teaching, course curriculum updates, and professional development.

Teaching Specialists report to the Director of Individualized Degrees and are typically contracted on a semester basis to teach at least one course per academic year. 

In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Teach one to three sections of ICP 3101W Proposal Development, an established two-credit, online writing intensive course for students pursuing individualized degrees. The instructor for this course will need to fulfill University policies and apply course-appropriate effective practices: setting high expectations; supporting achievement with clear instructions, examples and samples; establishing frequent, regular contact with students; grading and returning coursework promptly with relevant formative and/or summative feedback; engaging students in relevant collaborative work; and submitting final grades on time.
2. Revise course content or provide input as appropriate.
3. Stay current in the discipline and participate in activities to support professional development, faculty community dialogue, self-assessment, and teaching reviews.
4. Hold weekly office hours, virtually and/or in person, that are reasonably responsive to student schedules.
5. Liaise with advising staff as needed to resolve course- or student-related situations that require support or resources outside the classroom.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Two years of experience teaching writing-related coursework in higher education
• Proven experience working with students from underrepresented backgrounds, including non-native speakers of English
• A demonstrative skill & commitment to DEI

Preferred:

• MFA, Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a field related to writing instruction
• Five years of experience teaching in higher education that includes online course instruction
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary studies and/or individualized degrees
• Expertise in reflective writing, memoir writing, or other creative nonfiction writing
• A demonstrated understanding of pedagogy that blends theoretical concepts and professional applications
• Experience with curriculum development

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

About the Department

In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. 

Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter or CV/Resume in order to be fully considered for the position. Submit a letter of application (Cover Letter), resume, and the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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