Part-Time Faculty, History Department, Fall 2026

University of Maine at Augusta; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

A public university located in Maine is seeking a part-time instructor for Native American History to start in Fall 2026. This role involves teaching a course on the historical experiences of North America's indigenous peoples, assessing student performance, and developing course materials. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in History or a related field and has prior college teaching experience. This position supports a vibrant academic community and emphasizes a student-focused approach.

Qualifications

• PhD in History or related field.
• Prior experience teaching in college instruction.

Responsibilities

• Teach Native American History course and assess student performance.
• Develop course materials and objectives.
• Meet with students as needed.

Skills

Teaching experience

Education

PhD in History or related field

Job description

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of History is seeking part-time instructor applicants for our Fall 2026 semester, beginning August 31, 2026.

We are seeking a successful candidate who will be able to teach Native American History, 1450 - 2000 (HTY 143). There is also the option to teach an additional upper-level elective in Native American History for the Fall 2026 semester if the candidate chooses.

Native American History (HTY 143): This course examines the historical experiences of North America’s indigenous peoples with respect to their cultures. It focuses upon Native Americans as active agents in producing their history both before and after European contact, not just victims of white oppression and/or abstract social forces. Topics include Native cultural diversity on the eve of European contact; the dynamics of early Indian-European encounters; the political, spiritual, and gendered dimensions of Native accommodation and resistance; the construction and reconstruction of Indian identities in the era of the American Revolution; forced Indian Removal; the nineteenth‑century struggles for the Great Plains; and the systematic placement of Native children in boarding schools and foster care during the twentieth century. Special emphasis will be given to the Wabanaki and other Native peoples whose traditional homelands make up the land we now call Maine.

We are seeking a student‑focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

The University of Southern Maine Department of History offers a diverse and engaging curriculum that explores global, national, and regional histories. The department emphasizes critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, preparing students for careers in education, law, public history, and more. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning and experiential opportunities, students benefit from small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and connections to Maine’s rich historical resources.

Part‑time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part‑Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to PATFA Contract. Eligible part‑time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence‑based best practices for every modality.

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands‑on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student‑centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high‑quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in History or related field.
• Prior experience teaching in college instruction.

How to Apply

• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Sample syllabus of a comparable course already taught
• Contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately.

This position will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, contact UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act

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