Job Summary

The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, is responsible for delivering accessible and high-quality learning experiences in settings such as classrooms, laboratories, clinical environments, and distance learning. The faculty member facilitates the learning process and promotes student success. The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, maintain student support hours to provide accurate and reliable academic and career guidance, empowering learners to establish career and college objectives and discover pathways to achieve their goals. They actively pursue professional development opportunities to integrate innovative and effective teaching and learning practices within their disciplines. The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, engage in the institutional effectiveness process and college- and state-wide initiatives, including program review, outcome assessment, and data analysis to continuously improve outcomes, and completes necessary course documentation promptly and accurately. The member contributes to developing student and program learning outcomes, courses, and programs. Additionally, the Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor is committed to maintaining high ethical standards, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive data while actively promoting an inclusive environment that respects diversity.

Salary will Commensurate with experience and education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan and deliver accessible, high-quality instruction that enhances student learning and ensures students’ understanding of course outcomes.
Instruct 18-22 contact hours per semester, in either curriculum, non-curriculum, or business and industry; prepare objectives, assignments, assessments, instructional and supplemental materials, grading standards, and attendance policies; develop and maintain current course syllabi; ensure the learning experiences align with program and student learning outcomes for the course.
Create an inclusive learning environment ensuring all students have equitable access to education by utilizing teaching inclusion frameworks, including Culturally Responsive Teaching, Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Ensure availability for all students by maintaining established student support hours, offering availability by appointment, and responding to electronic communication appropriately and promptly.
Maintain and complete accurate documentation of student attendance and grades as indicated by institutional policy and procedures and submit required course documentation accurately and timely.
Empower students to make informed decisions by disseminating accurate, quality academic/career information and advising about policies, procedures, educational pathways, and/or transfer requirements from community colleges, universities, and the workforce.
Support students in understanding the significance of career (soft) skills and their crucial role in achieving success in college and the workplace.
Employ a proactive advising model that aligns with the core values and competencies for academic advising set by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
Contribute to curriculum development by creating new courses and updating existing course content and student learning outcomes; offer recommendations for course textbooks, supplies, software, and equipment; provide valuable input into developing the program’s course sequence and schedule.
Engage in the institutional effectiveness process and college- and state-wide initiatives, such as program review, the College’s Strategic Plan, NC Guided Pathways, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Demonstrate proficiency in student learning outcomes assessment, including aligning learning activities with desired outcomes, conducting assessments to measure these outcomes, and analyzing resulting data to enhance student learning.
Collaborate with other divisions and departments to align comprehensive credit and non-credit courses and programs where appropriate.
Pursue and participate in professional development activities each academic year, including required and recommended employee training offered by the College; research and remain current in professional literature by participating in professional organizations, taking classes, and attending conferences and workshops as appropriate; integrate innovative and effective teaching and learning practices within the disciplines while safeguarding the accessibility and quality of the learning experience; and implement best practices in academic advising and career development to ensure effective support for students.
Champion the College’s retention, progression, completion, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring social and economic success for all learners.
Support the College’s mission, vision, and core values by adhering to all policies and procedures.

Related Responsibilities:

Participate in advisory, standing, and ad hoc committees and focus groups; research and develop recommendations related to educational pathways, courses, policies, and procedures; foster and sustain collaborative relationships with businesses, industries, community stakeholders, and professional organizations to ensure educational pathways and courses remain current, relevant, and aligned to workforce needs.
Engage in the College’s recruitment effort by reviewing and providing recommendations for the program publications, the College’s webpage, publicity materials, and other community relations activities and events to enhance the College’s outreach efforts.
Assist with the inventory management of programmatic or course equipment and assume responsibility for labs and other facilities designated primarily for the assigned program or course.
Attend the College’s graduation ceremony, and support other student and institutional activities and functions.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of College Transfer and/or Vice President for Learning.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience Requirements

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, in settings with people from diverse backgrounds, educational levels, and age groups while exhibiting the ability to maintain the confidentiality of communications.
Foster a collaborative and team-based work environment, demonstrating a strong commitment willing to follow tasks through to completion.
Cultivate and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues and community stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, relevant computer applications, and Internet platforms.
Display exceptional skills in planning, organizing, and implementing new initiatives, programs, and services, and certify quality through tracking and assessment while effectively managing time and resources, meeting deadlines, and paying attention to details.
Perform complex tasks, effectively prioritize multiple projects, manage interruptions, and demonstrate the ability to work independently without supervision.
Knowledge and practical ability in student/career and workforce development while demonstrating an understanding of the significance of fostering a learner-centered environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of the entire student experience, encompassing coaching, mentoring, academic/career advising, student/career services, and academic progression and completion.
Practice high ethical standards and preserve confidentiality when dealing with sensitive student data and information.
Respect diversity and promote an inclusive environment.

Equity in Learning & Employment:

Equity and belonging are crucial to who we are. The College celebrates diversity and inclusion, embracing a broad definition of diversity that includes people of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual/affectional orientation, age, socio-economic status, ability or attributes (visible and invisible), neurodiversity, religious or ethical values system, national origin, political beliefs, veterans, and first-generation college students.

Required Training and Education:

Master’s degree in Physics, or related field with 18 graduate hours in Physics from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
At least one year of relevant teaching and/or work experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Completion of the Applying the Quality Matter Rubric course, Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate, or other course development certification.
At least one year of community college teaching experience.
At least one year of experience teaching distance learning using video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Collaborate, etc.
At least one year of experience working the Ellucian Self-Service Student Portal or related portal system.
At least one year of experience working with Watermark Student Success and Engagement (Aviso Enterprise) software

Additional Information

Surroundings/Environment:
The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, should be able to effectively work in an office or learning environment, usually indoors, away from the elements, with moderate noise. Typically working closely with others and periodically working online or irregular hours. The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, must preserve the working environment by maintaining equipment and supplies, ensuring overall cleanliness, functionality, and conformance to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment.

Physical Effort:
Physical and marginal functions require the ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include: standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods, moderate lifting and carrying, general manual dexterity, operating assigned equipment, and extended exposure to computer screens. The employee may occasionally move up to 15 pounds.

The Faculty, Physics/Astronomy Instructor, must also make sound decisions, use good judgment, demonstrate intellectual capabilities, and evaluate programs, services, and personal effectiveness.

Schedule:
This position requires the faculty member to be on campus daily and follows the College’s Curriculum Faculty Workload Policy.

Travel:
Local travel is required between campus locations, local businesses, and industry. Out-of-state travel is limited but may be required for professional development, trainings, and conferences.