Part-Time Faculty, Department of English - Pool Search

University of Maine System•Portland, ME

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of English invites applications for Part-Time Faculty position in College Writing (ENG 100) and Academic Writing (ENG 102). The fall semester runs from August 31 – December 11, 2026. Classes are offered at various times between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30 pm on either the Portland or Gorham campus. While some sections may be taught online, please note that we cannot guarantee an instructor’s preference for an online modality. We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus for reference. Individuals hired will be responsible for teaching at least one (and as many as three) 3-credit course College Writing (ENG 100) and/or Academic Writing (ENG 102) courses. College Writing (ENG 100) - Throughout the course, students learn several fundamental ideas about writing: that writing is a process; that writing always involves reading; that writing is situational and involves specific rhetorical elements (purpose, audience, text, genre, style, mode); that writing is recursive and therefore always in-process; and that writing requires metacognitive thinking. ENG 100 students engage in a series of essay assignments that reflect points of view, engage with readings, and focus on a central thesis or project. Through these writing practices, students develop a metalanguage to articulate their writing and rhetorical choices and to demonstrate an understanding of sentence structure and syntax as central to meaning. By the end of the course, students should be able to assess a writing situation and then successfully write for that situation. Academic Writing (ENG 102) - Building on the fundamentals learned in ENG 100 (the writing process, revision, and critical reading), ENG 102 focuses on argumentative and research-based writing. Students learn that academic work is a process of inquiry by engaging in academic modes of reading and writing (analysis, synthesis, critique, and argument) to address questions about critical issues. Students engage in independent research, learning how to make connections between sources and how to add to those connections by articulating their own perspectives and positions. Students develop a comprehensive information literacy that they can apply throughout their college career. The USM Department of English [https://usm.maine.edu/department-english/] is a dynamic and intellectually engaging academic community that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep appreciation for literature, writing, and cultural studies. Offering a range of undergraduate courses and pathways in literature, creative writing, and professional and technical writing, the department empowers students to explore diverse voices and historical perspectives while developing strong analytical and communication skills. Faculty in the department are dedicated teacher-scholars who support students through personalized instruction, innovative coursework, and opportunities for research, publication, and experiential learning. Through its commitment to inclusive and interdisciplinary learning, the English Department prepares graduates for a variety of careers and advanced study, while enriching the broader cultural and intellectual life of the university and surrounding community. Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA Contract [https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/PATFA-2023-2026-CBA-accessible.docx]. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits [https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-PATFA.pdf] provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation [https://usmdl.org/] provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality. The University of Southern Maine [https://usm.maine.edu/] is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University [https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/]. The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community. We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Requirements

Must have a master’s or doctoral degree in English or a related field as defined by the hiring committee.
Must have experience teaching at the college level.