Job Summary
Full time position in the Department of English will begin in August 2024. Must be able to teach on-campus. Responsibilities include teaching 12-15 hours per semester (27-30 hours per year) with the possibility of summer teaching assignment(s). Instructional coursework will include freshman composition and British literature, including Shakespeare. In addition, assisting with the departmental assessment process, academic mentoring/tutoring, participation in scholarly activities, service to the university, the profession, and the community and fulfilling university responsibilities as needed are requirements of this position. Works collaboratively with the Department Chair or Dean for assigned courses. Promotes student success through development of program learning outcomes and course learning outcomes. Proactive member of the Aggie CARE (Compassion, Accessible, Respect, Empathy) Community. Follows university policies and procedures, the university faculty handbook, and teaching standards set forth by the university. Instructors are evaluated each semester by students through course evaluations and undergo an annual faculty performance review.
Responsibilities
- Curriculum: Deliver high-quality instruction in assigned courses, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional standards.
- Syllabi: Develop and update course syllabi, adhering to the university’s syllabi template.
- Instruction: Demonstrate excellence in teaching by using high-level inquiry style questions and incorporating effective teaching and learning tools. Cater to diverse learning styles using a mixture of text, video, audio, demonstrations, assignments, and enrichment activities.
- Grades: Post mid-term and final grades within requested timelines designated by the Registrar.
- Student Success: Promote student success through advising, mentoring, monitoring, and evaluating students’ academic progress, and making appropriate referrals using the university’s retention software.
- Assessment: Collaborate with the department chair to ensure courses satisfy engagement and assessment standards set by accreditation bodies.
- Visibility: Participate in departmental, college, and university meetings, as well as commencement ceremonies.
- Advising: Mentor and advise students, providing guidance on academic and career goals.
- Office Hours: Maintain regular office hours to be accessible to students for academic support and advising.
- Communication: Reply to emails from students, Associate Dean, and Dean in a timely manner.
- Professional Development: Maintain a strong interest in the pursuit of knowledge and share it with students and faculty. Engage in professional development (within and/or outside the university) and document it in the university’s faculty credentialing software. Complete mandatory university virtual training sessions, such as Title IX.
- Instructional Environment: Promote a positive and inclusive instructional environment that encourages student engagement, collaboration, and success.
- Performance: Shows initiative in completing all departmental tasks and proactively manages their responsibilities.
- Classroom Environment: Supervise and maintain laboratories and equipment (if applicable).
- Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement departmental goals and initiatives. Contribute to the effective operation of the department by assisting with administrative tasks and duties as assigned.
- Course Materials: Maintain and update course materials, including textbooks, software, and technology, to ensure they are current and effective.
Qualifications
- Required: Master’s degree in English or Master’s degree with at least 18 graduate hours in English from a regionally accredited university. Preferred: Ph.D. in English preferred from a regionally accredited university. Previous collegiate teaching experience preferred.
- Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example.
- Must be a professional, credible, and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsibly.
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to recruit to the program.
- Support the university mission, vision, and core values.
- Dedicated to improving instructor-student engagement.
- Well-developed organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, as demonstrated with peer faculty, students, staff, and administrators.
- Must be able to lift more than 25-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking is required.
- Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for periods of time.
- Conditions of Employment: Appointment is as specified in the letter of appointment. Initial faculty appointments are for one academic year. Successful completion and passing of a background check is required prior to employment being offered.
About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.