Adjunct - Physics

Northwestern Michigan College•Traverse City, MI

About The Position

This adjunct faculty member teaches physics courses in the Science Department and may assist with course development and revision. The role is part of the professional teaching staff responsible for implementing the mission of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and the Science/Math discipline. Instruction may take place in online, accelerated, livestream, hybrid, and face-to-face formats, and may include nights or weekends. The position may be hired through the third-party staffing agency Edustaff; hires may need to complete onboarding requirements for both NMC and Edustaff. Adjunct faculty are responsible for effective teaching, curriculum-related work, and professional qualities and abilities. They compile, administer, and grade examinations and other learning activities; use current and emerging instructional technologies; assess student learning and use results to improve instruction; provide course syllabi; and maintain electronic gradebooks. They also maintain student records, meet classes as scheduled, report grades by college deadlines, comply with college policies and required training, and meet adjunct review and observation requirements. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development and college and community initiatives. The work includes teaching in classrooms and setting up and running labs. It requires communication, mathematical, analytical, reasoning, and computer skills, including the ability to use or learn database, internet, spreadsheet, word-processing, data-analysis, and presentation software, and to convert data and statistics into graphics. The employee regularly stands, walks, sits, handles objects, reaches, and talks or hears; occasionally climbs or balances and stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls; and regularly lifts or moves up to 50 pounds. The work environment frequently includes moving mechanical parts and vibration, and occasionally includes outdoor weather, extreme temperatures, and risk of electrical shock. Noise is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in physics, or a master’s degree in a related scientific field with 18 graduate credit hours in physics.
Proven teaching experience.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints and to write and present information effectively.
Ability to comprehend and apply advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.
Ability to apply logical or scientific reasoning to intellectual and practical problems and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Mastery of, or ability to learn, database, internet, spreadsheet, word-processing, data-analysis, and presentation software.
Ability to convert data and statistics to graphics.
Ability to perform the essential job duties, with reasonable accommodation where applicable, including regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

College-level teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Teach physics courses in the Science Department in assigned formats, which may include online, accelerated, livestream, hybrid, and face-to-face instruction.
Assist with course development and revision as needed.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations and other learning activities.
Use current and emerging technologies in distance learning and in the classroom, and conduct classroom research using classroom assessment techniques.
Listen to students and coach them to participate actively in the learning process.
Use varied assessments, such as exams, discussions, debates, presentations, simulations, and debriefings, to promote demonstration of learning.
Provide students with course syllabi that include required College Syllabus information and follow approved syllabus criteria.
Maintain and regularly update Moodle gradebooks and/or other electronic grading systems.
Engage in learning and scholarship in the area of specialization as time allows.
Complete adjunct review and performance review requirements, including timely teaching observations where applicable.
Attend and comply with required faculty training.
Report grades by college deadlines and maintain accurate student academic records.
Meet classes at scheduled times and for the appropriate duration.
Provide approved reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and follow FERPA policy.
Respond to requests from academic chairs, department heads, committee chairs, the Records Office, and others in a timely and thorough manner.
Assess student learning outcomes and make improvements based on assessment results.
Develop and maintain course outlines for annual review and approval by the faculty supervisor or designee.
Provide class time for student feedback forms when needed to meet the college response-rate standard.
Complete college reporting requirements due after the instructional period.
Develop curriculum for courses in preparation for the coming academic year.
Make a reasonable effort to participate in college and committee meetings and respond to college communications in a timely manner.
Make a reasonable effort to support the college mission, vision, and community initiatives.