Adjunct Faculty - CSWRK 5100: Foundations of Neurodiversity; Fall Semester 2026; In-person, On-campus

Lesley University

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lesley University's department of Social Work is seeking a highly qualified adjunct faculty member to teach CSWRK5100 - Foundations of Neurodiversity for the Fall Semester 2026. The course will be held on Wednesdays from 6:45 PM to 9:15 PM and will be conducted in-person on campus. This course examines the historical, social, and political construction of neurodiversity diagnoses and the influence of stigma on policy, practice, and lived experience. Through critical analysis of diagnostic frameworks, institutional responses, and global approaches, students explore the intersections of power, race, culture, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in shaping the understanding of neurodiversity. The course aims to develop competencies in documentation, ethical decision-making, supervision, crisis prevention, advocacy, and neurodiversity-affirming interventions across clinical, educational, and community settings.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field.
Successful teaching experience at undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Experience in constructivist inquiry-based learning with the ability to teach concepts in ways that are accessible, relevant, and engaging.
Experience using learning management systems and educational technology to support teaching and learning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

PhD in terminal degree.
Prior social work experience in a practice setting with neurodiverse clients.

Responsibilities

Teach CSWRK5100 - Foundations of Neurodiversity.
Examine the historical, social, and political construction of neurodiversity diagnoses.
Analyze the influence of stigma on policy, practice, and lived experience.
Explore the intersections of power, race, culture, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in shaping the understanding of neurodiversity.
Develop student competencies in documentation, ethical decision-making, supervision, crisis prevention, advocacy, and neurodiversity-affirming interventions.