Biology (Online) Adjunct Instructor (Pool)

About the position Laredo College is seeking to build a pool of candidates for part-time (adjunct) Biology instructors for online courses. Applications will be reviewed based on department needs, and selected candidates will be contacted. Applications for this pool will remain active for one year. Adjunct faculty are crucial to the college's mission, responsible for delivering curriculum, ensuring academic integrity, assessing student learning, and promoting continuous improvement. They must adhere to college policies and participate in required professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and revise course objectives to ensure instructional quality and curriculum alignment with state standards and accrediting agency requirements.
• Utilize the Laredo College Learning Management System (CANVAS) to organize and publish instructional materials.
• Maintain an accurate and updated syllabus and student attendance records.
• Submit grades and grade distribution sheets on time, and provide timely constructive feedback to students.
• Counsel students and notify them or counselors of frequent absences, failures, or necessary make-up work.
• Deliver curriculum in conjunction with LC policies, ensuring course rigor, academic integrity, and quality of instruction.
• Integrate real-life situations into learning experiences to encourage critical thinking, interdisciplinary skills, active learning, and teamwork.
• Use technology appropriately to design and support relevant learning activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve measurable learning outcomes and participate in Institutional Effectiveness/Program Reviews.
• Design and align assessments with learning objectives.
• Hold at least 30 minutes of online office hours per class.
• Facilitate all assigned courses in the online learning environment in a timely and consistent manner.
• Maintain virtual office hours and be available for student support.
• Complete all required training, including Title IX.
• Attend meetings called by the Department Chairperson/Program Director/Director.
• Participate in mandatory professional development activities.
• Assist in submitting assessment plans for their respective discipline and/or program.
• Participate in department, discipline-specific, and college activities and serve on committees.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in the development and implementation of retention and persistence plans.
• Participate in assessment and compliance practices such as Quality Enhancement Plan, General Education, SACSCOC IE assessment, and/or other accreditation processes.
• May participate in community advisory councils on behalf of the college’s interests.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisors.
• Teach online courses in the designated discipline.
• Direct library research or other outside assignments.
• Encourage students to utilize campus resources.
• Communicate required course materials to Library and Writing Center staff.
• Provide a safe learning environment for students.
• Follow established procedures for requesting instructional supplies and submitting absence reports.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biology or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in Biology.
• Graduate coursework hours must be aligned with the course learning outcomes that the instructor will be teaching.
• Must reside in the state of Texas upon employment.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the needs of varied learners.
• Ability to encourage and foster critical thinking skills in students.
• Ability to build rapport with students, foster a positive learning environment, and provide support and guidance.
• Ability to manage course materials, assignments, and assessments efficiently.
• Ability to address challenges and solve problems effectively.
• Proficiency in using technology tools and platforms for teaching, communication, and assessment.
• Understanding and adherence to ethical standards in teaching and interactions.
• Strong time management skills to balance teaching responsibilities with other academic duties and professional development.
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript(s)
• Proof of current license/certificate (if applicable)

Nice-to-haves

• Teaching experience in Higher Education.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities