Non-Credit Paralegal Certificate Program Instructor - Tort Law

Tort Law•Wilmington, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Delaware, Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) is seeking a qualified and experienced instructor to teach the Tort Law module of its Paralegal Certificate Program. This position requires a commitment to teach both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 cohorts of the Paralegal Certificate Program. Following the successful completion of this initial two-cohort commitment, instructors may be considered for annual contract renewal based on program needs, instructor performance, and enrollment demand. The Paralegal Certificate Program has been serving adult learners seeking career advancement and entry into the legal profession for the past 50 + years. Instructors join a collaborative instructional team and receive support from program management and instructional design staff. This role offers an opportunity to share professional expertise, mentor future legal professionals, and contribute to one of the region's leading continuing education programs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
Demonstrated professional experience and subject matter expertise in Tort Law.
Demonstrated proficiency with virtual meeting and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom).
Ability to quickly learn and utilize technology platforms, including the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Professional Standards: Represent UD PCS by holding yourself to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Non-Discrimination & Title IX: Commit to a learning environment free from discrimination based on gender, age, socioeconomic or ethnic background, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Responsible Employee of the University of Delaware, instructors are expected to comply with all mandatory reporting requirements related to Title IX and sexual misconduct. Report any potential signs of sexual misconduct to UD PCS immediately.
FERPA: Maintain strict compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations regarding student privacy.

Nice To Haves

Active bar admission in good standing preferred.
Experience teaching paralegal, legal studies, or related coursework, as well as facilitating learning in adult education or workforce development environments, is highly preferred.
Developing asynchronous content with the ID team may be available at the instructor's discretion.

Responsibilities

Serve as the instructor for the Tort Law module for both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 cohorts, delivering 39 total instructional hours per cohort.
Conduct all scheduled class sessions on time and for the full instructional period. Maintain accurate attendance records for each session and ensure that Zoom recordings are uploaded and made available in Canvas within 24 hours of the class meeting.
Update the Google Doc syllabus at least 2 weeks prior to the start of class. Review and update the Canvas course shell (removing old/unused resources) so it is ready to publish at least 1 week before class begins.
Collaborate with an Instructional Design (ID) team member to ensure uniformity in Canvas style. Ensure all course materials meet required accessibility standards.
Send a welcome email and Canvas notification with the syllabus and first-day expectations to enrolled students 1 week before the first class (cc'ing the Program Coordinator).
Beginning 2 weeks before the module start date, monitor your UD email regularly and respond to student and staff inquiries within one business day whenever possible and no later than two business days.
Host one 1-hour drop-in office hours session the week before the midterm exam, and another 1-hour session the week before the final exam.
Return graded assignments within 1 week of submission. Report final module grades to PCS within 5 business days of the final class.
Complete the Getting Started with Online Teaching short course in Canvas and submit the certificate to the Program Coordinator. Complete additional mandatory training from the Center for Innovation in Lifelong Learning and Teaching (CILLT) when it becomes available.
Notify the Program Coordinator and students immediately if you are running late or unable to attend a scheduled class.
Obtain necessary copyright permissions for all course materials and disclose any proprietary interests or external compensation related to presentation materials prior to the course.
Attend Spring and Fall Info Sessions (unless absence is pre-approved).
Attend the 2027 Fall Paralegal cohort virtual kick-off ceremony on Wednesday, September 8, 2027 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM).
Instructors are encouraged to attend the cohort graduation ceremony (traditionally scheduled near mid-August).