Departmental Instructor of Composition (Part-Time)

Under the general direction of the department chair, the Department of English and Communication Arts at Hood College seeks a departmental instructor for developmental and first-year writing to begin in January 2024. This is a part-time, non-tenure-track instructional role that supports the English composition curriculum within Hood’s general education program. As such, the departmental instructor will teach 12 credits annually, spanning fall and spring semesters. The successful candidate will be responsible for working in close partnership with the future writing program administrator to help achieve the strategic goals and learning outcomes of Hood’s core writing program. They will teach three sections of composition each year (12 credits), with the option of summer teaching and administrative work for an additional stipend.

We are seeking candidates who have: 1) a Master’s in Rhetoric and Composition, English, or a related discipline; 2) at least two years of experience and evidence of excellence in teaching English composition at the college level; 3) a commitment to writing development in a student-centered liberal arts setting.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Teaching (80%)

• Teach 12 credits per year in English composition, aligning all courses with core and departmental standards for learning outcomes, assessments, and student expectations.
• Assess student learning outcomes in English composition, consistent with core curriculum outcomes and college competencies.
• Maintain regular office hours and advise undergraduate students.
• Determine grades for assignments and for overall achievement in class.
• Provide appropriate documentation of grades to students and department as appropriate.
• Utilize digital and electronic platforms such as Blackboard and Chalk & Wire in instruction, record keeping, and data collection purposes.
• Revise the curriculum in English Composition as necessary given learning outcomes assessment data.
• Partner with the Student Success Center as needed to ensure tutoring services in writing meet student needs.
• Engage in professional development intended to improve pedagogical strategies for rhetoric and composition.

Departmental Service (20%)

• Support and participate in department meetings, college committees, and/or professional organizations to develop professional partnerships and meet the strategic goals of the institution.
• Support all college initiatives to recruit and retain talented students.
• Serve as an active member of the department and Hood College community.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or a related discipline
• At least two years of experience and evidence of excellence in teaching English composition at the college level

Preferred Skills and Characteristics

• Additional desirable areas of expertise include new media, digital humanities, and technical writing

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), email, and Internet. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

To Apply

We invite qualified candidates to apply online via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, a CV, evidence of excellence in teaching English composition at the college level (e.g., course evaluations from previous semesters), and a sample syllabus for a first-year writing course.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.

Hood College is committed to diversity in its faculty and staff and subscribes to a policy of hiring only individuals legally eligible to work in the United States. EOE/AAP/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer.

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 312), (301) 696-3592. For complete information on Hood College’s nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/ .