Part-Time Instructor of Communication Studies

Yosemite Community College District; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 172,000; Part time

Job summary

Yosemite Community College District's Modesto Junior College is seeking a Part-Time Instructor of Communication Studies for the 2026-2027 academic year. The role involves teaching lower-division Communication Studies courses, contributing to equity initiatives, and supporting student success in a diverse campus community.

Compensation includes an hourly range of $78.15 to $124.94, with Part-Time Faculty office hours paid at $40 per hour; benefits are limited to Workers’ Compensation coverage.

Qualifications

• Master’s in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication or organizational communication OR Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in drama/theater arts, mass communication or English OR the equivalent (as determined by CSCO).
• Equivalency procedure available per district guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Teach lower division Communication Studies courses (e.g., Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication).
• Recruit for Speech and Debate Team and related student organizations.
• Develop and assess student learning outcomes and equity-focused strategies.
• Maintain attendance and records; adhere to deadlines and governance processes.

Education

Master’s in speech or related field OR Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in drama/theater arts/mass communication/English OR equivalent

Equivalent determined by California State Chancellor’s Office

Job description

Part-Time Instructor of Communication Studies - School of Arts, Performance, & the Humanities - Modesto Junior College 2026 - 2027

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Application Close Date: Wednesday, June 30th, 2027 at 11:59pm Part-Time pools remain open for up to twelve (12) months. Applications will be viewed by Departments throughout that time on an “as need” basis near and/or at the beginning of each semester. Modesto Junior College (MJC) is seeking part-time faculty members in Communication Studies. Ideal candidates will share MJC’s commitment to educating its racially and socio-economically diverse student population. MJC currently serves about 24,000 students annually, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations, with the following breakdown: 53.5% Hispanic, 35.1% White, 4.9% Asian, 3.4% African American/Black, 1.4% Filipino, 0.5% Native American, 1.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% Multi-racial/Other (MJC

MJC is a designated 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 college already fully engaged in exploring new wrap-around student support services and innovative pedagogical techniques to improve equity and overall student success.

The successful candidate will join an Ethnic Studies department that continues to develop curriculum responsive to student needs, increasing student completion through the implementation of strategies aimed at improving student equity.

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title Part-Time Instructor of Communication Studies - School of Arts, Performance, & the Humanities - Modesto Junior College 2026 - 2027

The Hourly Range: $78.15 to $124.94 Doctorate Range: $92.09 to $128.22 (2025-2026 Certified Part-time Instructor/Overload Hourly Salary Schedule) Part Time Faculty office Hours are paid at a flat rate of $40 per hour.

Not Eligible for Benefits: With the exception of Workers’ Compensation coverage, not eligible to participate in the District’s benefit programs.

Position Summary Information

Scope of Assignment

The successful candidate will join a Communication Studies department that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the exploration of diverse perspectives. The successful candidate will share these commitments and work to reduce barriers for students by providing support and resources needed to succeed.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master’s in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication or organizational communication OR Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in drama/ theater arts, mass communication or English OR the equivalent Determined by California State Chancellor’s Office. Click hyperlink for discipline applicable Minimum Qualifications.

The District has adopted an equivalency procedure that enables consideration of applications by individuals who may not directly meet the qualifications listed above. For more information on equivalency, you may access the link below:

Knowledge of and ability to appraise the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. Sensitivity to the needs, problems and challenges associated with the diversity of the community college student population.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STANDARDS

• Mobility: ability to sit or stand for long periods, move about an office, and reach above and below desk level.
• Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes.
• Lifting: occasional lifting of papers, files, equipment and material weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close‑up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
• Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
• Emotional/Psychological Factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others including some public contact; frequent deadlines and time‑limited assignments.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Desirable Qualifications

DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS

• Experience teaching in a variety of modalities, such as online (asynchronous and synchronous), hybrid, HyFlex, and in‑person.
• Experience with outreach and recruitment, including but not limited to students, community, and career.
• Experience teaching classes such as debate, ethics in communication, group and organizational communication, forensics, oral interpretation of literature, intercultural communication, mass communication, mediated communication, organizational behavior, storytelling, or other areas of specialty in Communication Studies.
• Experience advising majors and running student organizations or clubs.
• Knowledge and willingness to utilize Open Educational Resources to open access for students.
• Ability to develop curriculum or services that stress innovation and improve student equity.
• Enthusiasm for the learning process.
• Commitment to supportive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Participate in professional growth and remain current in subject area and major state initiatives.
• Ability to operate effectively in an environment of change and ambiguity.
• Vision and energy to plan and organize programs to enhance student success.
• Willingness to participate effectively in shared governance and to work collaboratively.
• Personal qualifications such as effective interpersonal communication skills, participation in community affairs, ability to conduct effective public presentations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and/or experience in teaching in a variety of Communication Studies courses, with emphasis on oral communication, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking at the community college level.
• Current knowledge of the Communication Studies discipline as well as emerging trends, research, and pedagogy.
• Current understanding of assessment processes for improving student success at the course, program, and degree level.
• Competent in new pedagogies, such as accelerated learning, supplemental instruction, on‑line or
• hybrid teaching, and other pedagogies directed at improving student success and student equity.
• Recent experience working with African American/Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minoritized students in the classroom, and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within 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;
• Experience and expertise in culturally responsive teaching in communication studies, especially as it relates to the relevancy of students’ lives, interests, and communities;
• Demonstrated ability to address equity gaps within coursework and the classroom;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Hispanic-Serving designation for institutional, departmental, and instructional practices.

Example of Duties

GENERAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Part of the teaching assignment may be online, in the evening, and/or on Saturdays. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Teaching lower division college courses in Communication Studies courses, including Public
• Speaking, Introduction to Human Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Argumentation and/or Introduction to Debate.
• Recruiting for the Speech and Debate Team, Sigma Chi Eta honors society, and for the Communication Studies major.
• Advancing equitable student learning through dedicated, exemplary instruction in accordance with established course outlines.
• Informing students of course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance requirements.
• Preparing and grading class assignments and examinations and informing students of their academic progress.
• Maintaining attendance, scholastic, and other records and submitting them according to published policies and deadlines.
• Developing, implementing, and assessing student‑learning outcomes for courses and programs and using the results for improvement.
• Engaging in data inquiry and self‑assessment to develop strategies for student success, persistence, and equity.
• Participating in professional development activities to fulfill mandatory FLEX requirements
• Maintaining current knowledge in the subject matter area and effective teaching/learning strategies to meet the needs of all learning styles.
• Maintaining appropriate standards of professional conduct and ethics.

Federal law requires the District employ only US citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. Written verification of employment eligibility is required.

TRANSCRIPTS: At the time an offer of assignment is made, proper salary placement is contingent upon receipt of OFFICIAL (sealed) transcripts. Instructors with advanced degrees and coursework shall be attached during the application process. An ORIGINAL of the evaluation(s) must be presented at the time of hire.

FOREIGN DEGREES: Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association. A copy of the evaluation must be attached during the application process. An ORIGINAL of the evaluation(s) must be presented at the time of hire.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: A background investigation of new employees is required, including reference checks and a state criminal history report. Employment will not begin until the history check has been cleared by Human Resources. The cost for the criminal history report will be the responsibility