Part-Time Faculty, History Department, Fall 2026

University of Maine System•Portland, ME

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of History is seeking part-time instructor applicants for our Fall 2026 semester, beginning August 31, 2026. We are seeking a successful candidate who will be able to teach Native American History, 1450 - 2000 (HTY 143). There is also the option to teach an additional upper-level elective in Native American History for the Fall 2026 semester if the candidate chooses. Native American History (HTY 143): This course examines the historical experiences of North America’s indigenous peoples with respect to their cultures. It focuses upon Native Americans as active agents in producing their history both before and after European contact, not just victims of white oppression and/or abstract social forces. Topics include Native cultural diversity on the eve of European contact; the dynamics of early Indian-European encounters; the political, spiritual, and gendered dimensions of Native accommodation and resistance; the construction and reconstruction of Indian identities in the era of the American Revolution; forced Indian Removal; the nineteenth-century struggles for the Great Plains; and the systematic placement of Native children in boarding schools and foster care during the twentieth century. Special emphasis will be given to the Wabanaki and other Native peoples whose traditional homelands make up the land we now call Maine. We are seeking a student-focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference. The University of Southern Maine's Department of History [https://usm.maine.edu/department-history/] offers a diverse and engaging curriculum that explores global, national, and regional histories. The department emphasizes critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, preparing students for careers in education, law, public history, and more. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning and experiential opportunities, students benefit from small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and connections to Maine’s rich historical resources. 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.