Part Time - English Composition - Adjunct Lecturer

The Pennsylvania State University; Paxtonia (PA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State Harrisburg, a campus of The Pennsylvania State University, seeks an Adjunct English Composition Instructor to teach first‑year writing in person. The position emphasizes inclusive pedagogy and engaging diverse student populations within the School of Humanities.

The successful candidate will plan and teach 1–3 sections per semester, hold regular office hours, assess student progress, and participate in professional development while using Canvas to manage courses.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or closely related field.
• Teaching experience in first‑year composition or equivalent.
• Commitment to transforming teaching methods to support diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach one to three in‑person course sections (three to nine credits) per semester.
• Follow best practices for teaching English Composition.
• Work effectively with diverse populations and audiences.
• Hold at least one office hour per three credits taught.
• Grade student work.
• Submit student progress reports throughout the semester.
• Respond to administration and student emails.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Support First Year Seminar events.
• Effectively use the Penn State learning management system (Canvas).

Skills

Teaching

Student engagement

Communication

Education

Master's degree in English or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Adjunct English Composition Instructor is a part‑time faculty opening within the School of Humanities at Penn State Harrisburg. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who shares our commitment to undergraduate teaching. The successful candidate will contribute to our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students.

Job Duties

• Plan and teach one to three in‑person course sections (three to nine credits) per semester.
• Follow best practices for teaching English Composition.
• Work effectively with diverse populations and audiences.
• Hold at least one office hour per three credits taught.
• Grade student work.
• Submit student progress reports throughout the semester.
• Respond to administration and student emails.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Support First Year Seminar events.
• Effectively use the Penn State learning management system (Canvas).

Requirements and Qualifications

• Candidates should possess an earned master’s degree or higher in English Rhetoric and Composition or a closely related field.
• Teaching experience in first‑year composition or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An expectation of demonstrating a commitment to transforming teaching methods, communication approaches, course materials, learning objectives, and learning environments to genuinely support, respect, and cater to the unique needs of student populations at Penn State Harrisburg.

Campus Information

Penn State Harrisburg is a campus of the Pennsylvania State University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's land‑grant institution, serving more than 85,000 students. Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College, enrolls 4,600 students in residential instruction and an additional 1,000 students in programs delivered online via the University's World Campus. Penn State Harrisburg offers two associate, 35 baccalaureate, 25 Master's, and three doctoral degrees. The college also offers the first two years of study leading to more than 275 baccalaureate majors available throughout Penn State. Additionally, the campus participates in nine online degree offerings (six graduate and three undergraduate) through Penn State World Campus, and offers accelerated undergraduate/graduate programs, joint degrees in collaboration with Penn State Dickinson Law and the Penn State College of Medicine, and continuing education opportunities.

For more information about Penn State Harrisburg, please visit the college’s website at https://harrisburg.psu.edu/.

Background Checks and Clearances

Campus Security Crime Statistics: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

EEO Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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