Astronomy Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Fresno City College

State Center Community College District; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Part time

Job summary

Fresno City College invites applications for a part-time Astronomy Instructor in its pool of qualified instructors. The role involves teaching astronomy and related physics courses in various settings, including evenings, weekends, online, and on/off-campus formats.

Start dates vary and the position remains open until filled. Qualifications include a Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics, or a combination that meets FCC minimums, plus evidence of equity-minded teaching and collaboration

Qualifications

• Candidates must demonstrate responsiveness to diverse student populations and equity-minded practice in the classroom.
• Ability to design and deliver instruction in astronomy, physics, and related subjects; familiarity with online/hybrid delivery modalities.

Responsibilities

• Teach astronomy and related physics courses in various instructional settings (evenings, weekends, online, off-campus).
• Develop course syllabi and align with department outcomes.
• Evaluate student progress through tests, assignments, and examinations.
• Maintain accurate records and submit grading reports timely.
• Use varied instructional technologies to enhance learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve curriculum and student success.

Education

Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics

Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics

A valid California Community College credential

The equivalent education and/or experience (requires an equivalency)

Job description

Astronomy Instructor (Part-Time Faculty Pool) Fresno City College

This is a part-time position. Open until filled. Start dates may vary.

Essential Functions of Position

The ideal candidate will share Fresno City College’s commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. As of Fall 2017, we currently enroll over 24,000 students of which 54% are Latinx, 10% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 5% are Black/African American, 23% are White, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 6% are multiracial. FCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. The successful candidate will join a department dedicated to the use of curriculum responsive to the students it serves. Providing instruction in Astronomy in a variety of instructional settings and times, including evening and/or weekends, on-line or off-campus and large group instruction classes as needed, the instructor will be responsible for:

• Maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position and currency in teaching Astronomy;
• Teaching introductory physics, general physics, physical science and astronomy courses;
• Teaching trigonometry and calculus based physics courses for majors and non-majors;
• Using a variety of pedagogies and integrating a wide range of instructional delivery systems including innovative and creative uses of technology for face-to-face, on-line, and/or hybrid formats;
• Communicating effectively with students;
• Using effective teaching methods appropriate to the subject matter, adherence to institutionally approved curriculum course outlines of record;
• Evaluating student progress through tests and examinations, written assignments, oral responses, etc. in keeping with course objectives;
• Providing course syllabi to students;
• Maintaining classroom records in accordance with District Policy;
• Turning in all required student grading and evaluation reports in a timely manner; and
• Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by Administrative Regulation 7122.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics; OR
• Bachelor’s in physics or astronomy AND master's in engineering, mathematics, meteorology or geophysics; OR
• A valid California Community College credential; OR
• The equivalent education and/or experience (requires an equivalency).

All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to design and implement innovative teaching methodologies based on physics education research;
• Commitment to interacting and working successfully as a team with science instructors, laboratory technicians, and other colleagues;
• Enthusiasm for teaching and assisting students to succeed;
• Related work and professional experience;
• Experience in computer assisted instruction and other instructional technologies;
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administration;
• Ability to develop new and current curriculum and focus on student learning outcomes to improve student learning;
• Experience working with students of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Recent experience working with African American, Latinx, Native American, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusions of these groups in higher education shape patterns of participation and outcomes;
• Willingness to examine and re-mediate one’s instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students;
• Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom;
• Potential for contribution to institutional vitality and growth; and
• Knowledge of the community college and its mission and goals.

Salary and Benefits

Starting rates are $45.49 – $61.78 for lecture, $38.67 – $52.55 for lab, and $38.30 – $52.05 for non-instructional. Sick leave accrual is based on assignment hours.

Additional Information

This is a part-time position. Open until filled. Start dates may vary.

Required Documents

• Transcripts (Unofficial copies accepted - must indicate conferred degree(s) that support the minimum qualifications)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

• Certificates
• Licenses
• List of Professional References
• Evaluation Service Assessment (Foreign Transcript Evaluation)
• Additional Documents
• Letters of Recommendation