Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies

Southwestern College•Chula Vista, CA

About The Position

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is seeking a full-time, tenure-track, equity-focused faculty member committed to serving its culturally diverse student population. The faculty member will foster an inclusive learning environment through equity-minded teaching, leadership, mentorship, and service, supporting students pursuing university transfer, associate degrees, certificates, employment advancement, and personal growth. The role is based in a diverse community college serving south San Diego County and a binational community along the United States–Mexico border. Under the direction of the Dean of the School of Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, the faculty member will collaborate with colleagues and the chair of the History and Ethnic Studies department. During the first two years, the position may require teaching interdisciplinary courses including Asian/Asian American History, Asian American History/Contemporary Issues, Filipino American History, Filipinx American Culture, and newly developed Ethnic Studies courses. The faculty member will contribute to curriculum development, including interdisciplinary and technology-enhanced courses, and may help develop grant-funded programs and initiatives in Asian American and Pasifika Studies. The position also involves advising and mentoring students, strengthening transfer pathways, expanding programs for special populations, engaging in outreach, and developing partnerships with educational institutions, school districts, workforce agencies, and community organizations. Faculty responsibilities include teaching, office hours, course preparation, student assessment and records, meetings, college service, program review, professional development, and supporting college policies and programs. Assignments may include day, evening, weekend, extension-site, online, or hybrid classes. The successful candidate must complete DEFT (Distance Education Faculty Training) certification or an equivalent within 12 months of hire.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Asian American Studies; or a Master’s degree in Ethnic Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Asian American Studies; or the equivalent.
Ability to teach Asian American Studies courses and effectively teach online courses.
Knowledge of computer technology and distance education.
Ability to design courses and use active learning, teaching methods that engage diverse students, and approaches that promote critical thinking, cooperation, and collaboration.
Understanding of the role and purpose of the community college and ability to evaluate one’s teaching practices and their effectiveness in facilitating student learning.
Knowledge and practice of culturally responsive pedagogy and andragogy, including student-centered, self-reflective, and student-capable approaches across a range of delivery systems.
Commitment to equity, diversity, closing achievement gaps, and supporting historically underrepresented students.
Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with faculty and staff on instruction, curriculum, student success, class schedules, teaching rotations, and college activities.
Ability to establish and sustain community partnerships and develop innovative programs, transfer pathways, workforce pathways, and educational and professional development opportunities.
Sensitivity to and respect for diverse academic, social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining currency in teaching methodologies.
For foreign degrees, coursework must be evaluated by a professional association that is a member of NACES, and a copy of the evaluation must be submitted with the application.
Selected candidates must complete fingerprinting through an electronic fingerprinting service within 10 days of employment, provide tuberculosis clearance within 60 days of employment and renew it every four years, and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching at the community college level.
Experience developing Ethnic Studies curriculum that meets applicable transfer and local degree requirements.
Experience collaborating across academic disciplines and institutional programs.
Experience developing and managing budgets and overseeing fiscal resources for academic programs.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, community-based organizations, and workforce partners.
Experience identifying grant opportunities, contributing to proposals, and supporting implementation, evaluation, and reporting of grant-funded initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate, adopt, and create Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) instructional materials and innovative teaching resources.
Experience working in a community with a diversity pattern similar to Southwestern College’s service area.
Experience teaching Asian American Studies courses, designing courses, and using active learning.
Experience and proven success addressing equity gaps within the discipline; experience with culturally responsive, equity-minded, and trauma-informed teaching; and experience collaborating on programs for historically underrepresented students.
A short teaching demonstration may be required of candidates invited for an interview.

Responsibilities

Teach scheduled classes, maintain office hours, prepare classes, assess and evaluate students, and monitor and maintain records of student performance.
Teach interdisciplinary courses, which may include Asian/Asian American History, Asian American History/Contemporary Issues, Filipino American History, Filipinx American Culture, and new Ethnic Studies courses.
Contribute to curriculum development, including interdisciplinary courses, technology-enhanced curriculum, and courses and program requirements that fulfill transfer pathways and local degree requirements.
Collaborate with colleagues and the chair of the History and Ethnic Studies department, as well as faculty, staff, administrators, and other college personnel.
Attend meetings pertinent to faculty responsibilities, including committee meetings; participate in program review and college committees; and contribute to college initiatives beyond teaching.
Advise and mentor students enrolled in the program, especially students seeking research support.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with educational programs, school districts, workforce agencies, apprenticeship programs, and community-based organizations.
Participate in outreach and recruitment efforts with local schools and nonprofit organizations.
Expand district-wide programs for special populations, including the Restorative Justice Program and dual enrollment.
Support initiatives aligned with CA Vision 2030 and Southwestern College’s mission and vision.
Pursue or contribute to grant funding opportunities, grant proposal development and implementation, and the monitoring and reporting of grant-funded budgets and activities, as applicable.
Participate in professional development and maintain current knowledge of Ethnic Studies and teaching methodologies.
Provide learning environments that address diverse pedagogical approaches and use culturally responsive, equity-minded, trauma-informed, and student-centered teaching practices.
Complete DEFT certification or an equivalent within the first 12 months of hire.
Observe college communication channels, enforce college policies and regulations, and support and improve college programs.
Participate in selected staff development and extracurricular activities.