Full-Time Ethnic Studies Instructor

West Valley-Mission Community College District; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

West Valley College in Saratoga, California, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Ethnic Studies Instructor to begin Spring 2027. The position involves teaching diverse Ethnic Studies courses and contributing to equity-focused student success, with a commitment to inclusive pedagogy and ongoing professional development.

We seek applicants who can work collaboratively with faculty and local communities, participate in curriculum development, and support initiatives that advance

Qualifications

• Eligible for tenure-track appointment in Ethnic Studies.

Responsibilities

• Teach Ethnic Studies courses as assigned, including day/evening classes.
• Participate in curriculum development, service, and professional activities within the Ethnic Studies Department.

Job description

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Full-Time Ethnic Studies Instructor

How many positions are you recruiting for?

How many positions are you recruiting for? 1

Campus

Campus West Valley College

Position Summary Information

Definition

[ INTERNAL VOLUNTARY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY ]

Tenured faculty may request a voluntary transfer to an open, full-time faculty position. A voluntary transfer is the reassignment of a current tenured faculty employee from the department where presently assigned to fill a full-time vacancy in which the member meets the minimum qualifications or equivalencies. The vacancy may be in another department at the same college, or in any department at the other college. See WVMFT Article 23.4 for more information. This notice serves to inform full-time faculty employees of an upcoming position opening.

Internal applicants who are eligible for the voluntary transfer opportunity will receive first-consideration for interview prior to non-eligible applicants.

This transfer opportunity period is open ONLY for 10 business days so as to allow eligible, current tenured faculty employees an opportunity to request a voluntary transfer, if interested. The deadline to apply is November 5, 2026. Applications that meet eligibility for a voluntary transfer but are received after this deadline will not be considered for a voluntary transfer opportunity but will still be considered along with all other applications.

ATTENTION ALL APPLICANTS : West Valley College is now accepting applications for a full-time, tenure-track instructor position in Ethnic Studies Department, requiring the ability to teach courses from Ethnic Studies. We are currently seeking applicants who have successful experience and a genuine interest in working with under-represented groups.

West Valley College is part of the West Valley-Mission Community College District. Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, West Valley College enrolls over 15,000 students annually and is minutes away from the heart of the Silicon Valley in a beautiful park-like setting on 143 wooded acres. The student population represents diverse communities from the cities of Saratoga, Campbell, and Los Gatos. Detailed information about the student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research webpage.

The college is ranked number one in transfer in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area and number one in California out of 116 community colleges. The college is known for high quality academic and career education programs supported by talented faculty and dedicated classified professionals who bring an equity-minded approach to student success. Most recently West Valley College was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 U.S. community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for community College Excellence. WVC inspires students to create a future for themselves so they can contribute to a world in need of their talents, drive, and enthusiasm. Centered on innovation, excellence, belonging, and inclusivity, the college was honored to receive the 2025-2028 FamilyU Seal for its service to parenting students.

As a campus community, West Valley is committed to addressing inequities and injustices, both societal and institutional, and so recognizes that institutions of higher education have colluded, harmed, and remained complacent in upholding aspects of white supremacy, ableism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression. The West Valley College community is committed to long-term equity, social justice, and racial justice work which will transform individuals, the institution, and the greater community. As a collective community, we embrace accountability and will act with courage, grace, and humility in fulfilling our commitment to learning and unlearning.

Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a culturally diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Assignment

This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track faculty position that begins in Spring 2027. Instructional assignments may include day and/or evening classes, Monday through Saturday, as needed and rotate among the Ethnic Studies faculty. It is expected that over several semesters all levels of Ethnic Studies offered at the college will be taught. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers ( WVMFT / AFT Local 6554).

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $97,318 – $157,048 annually (10 months), based upon academic achievement, teaching and related experience (Academic Salary Schedule, Steps 1-9).

Benefits include:

• Employer-contributed medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse and dependents.
• Employer paid long term disability for employee.