Instructor I, Sociology

Job Summary

As the Sociology Instructor I you will teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as applicable; be involved in course and curriculum development; be responsible for developing a program of research; and participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives.

Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive working and learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of the campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview.

At FGCU, we collectively stand against any individual or group that practices any form of racism, discrimination, intolerance, hate expressions, or disrespect. We are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, abilities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, family statuses, and military backgrounds. FGCU strives to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our University stronger. The University community recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive institution and holds these ideals as paramount for the current and future success of the institution.

We seek colleagues who promote and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position as we believe that our University will grow and move forward through a commitment of equality for all.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Teaches load of 12 contact hours per semester of undergraduate courses.
• Teaches undergraduate Sociology courses, and participating in programs and recruitment initiatives to grow the sociology major.
• Helps in planning, developing, organizing, and implementing programs and curricula (including assessments) for the Sociology program, and the Department of Social Sciences.
• Prepares syllabi, instruction materials, coordinates lectures, tests, and evaluates.
• Maintains highest possible standards of classroom instruction.
• Keeps abreast of new information and developments in field of instruction.
• Actively serves on university committees.
• Actively participates in institutional meetings.
• Maintains professional skills through regular professional development, and other activities appropriate to higher education faculty.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Earned master’s degree or higher in Sociology or related field from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• Strong evidence of commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, and a strong record of active student-inclusive engagement.
• Ability to contribute to teaching offerings such as Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Global Sociology, Sociological Theory and/or Research Methods.
• Must possess a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the field of instruction.
• Must meet the University and College criteria for the appointment to the level of Instructor I.

​ Preferred Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will be broadly trained in sociology, or related field, and committed to teaching liberal arts undergraduates in Sociology, with emphasis on global or migration studies, race and ethnicity, indigeneity, crime/law/deviance, environmental justice, or intersecting inequalities, and be able to collaborate with other colleagues to engage in interdisciplinary teaching/learning at the lower and upper levels.
• We prefer a candidate who is committed to growing the sociology major and to interactive recruitment strategies with students and the community.
• Demonstrated evidence of community-based initiatives tied to teaching is preferred.
• Evidence of innovative teaching techniques involving face-to-face teaching, critical thinking, teaching online and blended learning courses, and other creative ways to teach scaled-up classes are preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in–or the convincing potential for–building an inclusive, equitable and diverse scholarly environment in teaching, mentoring, research, life experiences, or service is preferred.
• While grounding in discipline knowledge is essential, an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspective with ability to connect discipline expertise to the whole curriculum is sought.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to contribute effectively and collegially to a positive, dynamic, and inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population
• Experience or commitment to engaged learning and teaching. Interest in collaborating both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning. Must value continued scholarship and service to the school and university.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/ scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU.

Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Five (5) Professional References

FGCU is an EOE AA /F/Vet/Disability Employer.