Adjunct - Geology

Rock Valley College; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL invites applications for an adjunct Geology instructor to teach assigned in-person classes and support classroom instruction.

The role emphasizes careful course preparation, inclusive student engagement, and robust assessment using the college LMS. Experience with curriculum development and online teaching is preferred; adherence to FERPA and college policies is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology or closely related discipline; OR a Master's with at least 18 graduate hours in geology.
• Commitment to the community college mission.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned in-person geology courses and related classroom instruction.
• Prepare and deliver lectures and laboratory exercises aligned with course objectives and learning outcomes.
• Foster inclusive classroom environment and engage students, with weekly outside-class availability.
• Assess student performance using varied methods and provide feedback.
• Use the college's LMS for grading, communication, and records; generate reports as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in department initiatives and meetings.
• Adhere to college policies, FERPA, and higher education regulations.

Skills

Teaching geology

Student engagement

Curriculum development

Education

Master's degree in geology

Master's with 18 graduate hours in geology

Terminal degree in geology (preferred)

Job description

Employee Status: Adjunct (Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Semesters)

Group: NA

Grade: Adjunct

FLSA: Non-Exempt

ICCB Classification: Teaching Faculty

Updated: 07/2026

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Dean of Mathematics & Sciences

Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary

Teach assigned in-person classes and perform activities related to classroom instruction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching:
  • Instruct students in lecture and laboratory components of Geology
  • Meet classes at assigned times.
• Course Preparation:
  • Select appropriate texts and teaching materials.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures, laboratory exercises, assignments, and assessments that align with course objectives and learning outcomes.
  • Keep informed on the latest research and journal articles.
• Student Engagement:
  • Foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that encourages active participation and engagement.
  • Provide availability for student interaction outside of class (1 hour weekly minimum per 3 credit hours)
• Assessment and Feedback:
  • Evaluate student performance through a variety of assessment methods. Provide constructive feedback to support student improvement.
  • Utilize Rock Valley College's chosen Learning Management System (LMS) for all grading, assignments, communication, and student records.
  • Prepare course/class reports as required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to the department's initiatives and activities.
• Attend college meetings when available (faculty, division, in-service training, etc.).
• Compliance:
  • Adhere to college policies, procedures, and academic standards.
  • Adhere to Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any and policies or laws that govern higher education at Rock Valley College.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in geology or closely related discipline OR a Master's degree with at least 18 graduate hours in geology.
• Commitment to the community college mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in geology or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Teaching experience in college-level courses is preferred.
• Experience with curriculum development and assessment is preferred.
• Interest in involvement in division and college initiatives.
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and digital resources for science education instruction is preferred.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a classroom setting.

Physical Demands

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.