Adjunct – Communications, Public Speaking

Stubblefield Institute; Shepherdstown (WV); On-site; USD 25,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

The Stubblefield Institute at Shepherd University is seeking an experienced Adjunct Instructor for the course COMM 202: Fundamentals of Speech. This role focuses on providing students with essential face-to-face public speaking training, equipping them with the skills to communicate effectively in various situations.

The successful candidate will have a Master's degree in a relevant field and experience in teaching public speaking. Responsibilities include preparing course materials, guiding students through exercises, and evaluating their presentations.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have a Master’s degree in Communication, Speech Communication, Rhetoric, or a closely related field.
• Experience in teaching, coaching, or mentoring in public speaking or related skills is required.

Responsibilities

• Teach in-person sections of COMM 202.
• Guide students through communication exercises and evaluate their speeches.
• Prepare course materials aligned with objectives and maintain student records.

Skills

Public speaking experience

Student engagement

Oral communication

Teaching preparation

Education

Master’s degree in Communication or related field

Job description

Adjunct – Communications, Public Speaking

Shepherd University seeks qualified adjunct instructors to teach COMM 202: Fundamentals of Speech in an in‑person format. This three-credit course is a required core curriculum course focused on the skills of sending and receiving clear messages. Topics include audience analysis, message organization, listening awareness, communication apprehension, and the delivery of speeches in multiple formats.

The University is especially interested in instructors who will provide students with meaningful face‑to‑face experience in public speaking. Many students who enroll in COMM 202 are future teachers or students preparing for careers that require confidence speaking in front of groups. For that reason, in‑person instruction is essential to the goals of the course. Students should have regular opportunities to stand before their peers, practice prepared and impromptu communication, receive feedback, and build confidence in a supportive classroom environment.

Responsibilities include teaching assigned in‑person sections of COMM 202; preparing course materials and assignments aligned with course objectives; guiding students through communication exercises and speech preparation; evaluating student speeches and presentations; providing timely feedback; maintaining student records; and submitting grades according to university deadlines. The successful candidate will be a student‑centered instructor who understands the importance of active practice, constructive feedback, and confidence‑building in the development of effective oral communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communication, Speech Communication, Rhetoric, or a closely related field.
• Prior experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring students in public speaking, oral communication, presentation, performance, or related skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior college teaching experience.
• Experience teaching public speaking or communication courses.
• A demonstrated ability to support students who may experience anxiety or apprehension around public speaking.