Astronomy Instructor (Reedley College) Part-Time Faculty Pool

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

Job summary

State Center Community College District seeks an Astronomy Instructor for Reedley College as part of a part-time faculty pool. The role involves teaching introductory physics, astronomy, and related courses using varied pedagogies and technology for face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats.

Expectations include developing syllabi, evaluating student progress, and maintaining records in line with district policies. Commitment to equity and student success across diverse populations is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s in physics, astronomy or astrophysics or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to design innovative teaching methodologies based on physics education research.
• Commitment to teamwork with instructors and staff.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and helping students succeed.
• Experience with computer assisted instruction and instructional technologies.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to develop and update curriculum focusing on student learning outcomes.
• Experience with diverse cultural and socioeconomic student backgrounds.
• Commitment to equity in the classroom and institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory physics, general physics, physical science and astronomy.
• Teach trigonometry and calculus-based physics courses for majors and non-majors.
• Use diverse pedagogies and technologies for F2F, online, and hybrid formats.
• Communicate effectively with students and maintain course records.
• Provide syllabi and timely grading; follow district policies and outcomes.

Skills

Innovative teaching methods

Team collaboration

Student success focus

Equity in classroom

Tech-enhanced instruction

Effective communication

Education

Master’s in physics/astronomy/astrophysics

Bachelor’s in physics/astronomy + master’s in engineering/math/meteo/geophysics

California Community College credential

Equivalency accepted

Job description

Astronomy Instructor (Reedley College) Part-Time Faculty Pool

Essential Functions of Position

The ideal candidate will share Reedley College’s commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. As of Fall 2017, we currently enroll over 10,000 students of which 71% are Latinx, 1% are Filipino, 3% are Asian, 2% are African American, 19% are White, and 2% are multiracial. RC 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.

• 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;
• 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).

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 remediate 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.

Selection Procedure

The selection and hiring process will be explained by the hiring department if the candidate is extended an opportunity to interview.
Please note: This position does not have a closing date and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position(s) is/are filled. By applying for this position, you understand that you will be placed in a continuous pool. If at any time you are no longer interested in this position, please withdraw your application.

Additional Information

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