Part-time College Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of academia, the role of part-time college instructors has never been more crucial.

As higher education evolves, the demand for skillful individuals who can educate, inspire, and guide our future leaders grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a part-time college instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of academia,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable part-time college instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Part-time College Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Part-time College Instructors play a crucial role in the education sector, imparting knowledge and skills to students while managing various academic and administrative tasks.

They must be proficient in their subject area, capable of creating an inclusive learning environment, and dedicated to student success.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures on subjects within their field of expertise
• Creating a syllabus for each course they are instructing
• Assessing and grading student assignments, projects, and examinations
• Providing feedback to students and guidance for their academic development
• Staying updated with the latest developments in the subject area
• Participating in departmental meetings and curriculum planning
• Advising students on career opportunities and academic pathways within the subject area
• Adhering to institutional rules, regulations, and policies
• Assisting in student recruitment and retention activities
• Maintaining office hours to advise and assist students outside of class

 

Part-time College Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Part-time College Instructor to join our academic team.

The Part-time College Instructor will be responsible for preparing and delivering lectures to our college students, grading student performance, and participating in college activities and committees.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced educator who enjoys sharing knowledge with students and is committed to fostering a positive learning environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Preparing and delivering instructional materials and lectures
• Assessing student performance through assignments, tests, and examinations
• Providing academic guidance and support to students
• Participating in department and college activities and committees
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the subject area
• Contributing to curriculum development and revision
• Keeping track of student attendance and participation
• Maintaining office hours to assist students and address concerns

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in the relevant discipline is required, a PhD is preferred
• Experience in teaching at the college level is preferred
• Expertise in the subject area of instruction
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage and motivate students
• Effective classroom management skills
• Proficient in using educational technology

 

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Potential for advancement
• Access to campus amenities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Part-time College Instructor
• Work Environment: Campus setting. Some online teaching may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate’s qualifications and teaching experience, as well as market and institutional considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Part-time College Instructor Do?

Part-time College Instructors typically work at universities, colleges, or community colleges and may teach in a variety of academic fields depending on their area of expertise.

Their primary role is to provide high-quality instruction to students.

This may include planning and delivering lectures, creating and grading assignments, and administering exams.

They ensure that the course material aligns with the course syllabus and college standards.

Part-time College Instructors hold office hours to give students the opportunity to ask questions or discuss course material further.

They provide feedback to students to facilitate their academic growth and improvement.

They may also be involved in curriculum development, making updates and changes to course content and materials as necessary to ensure relevancy and applicability.

In some cases, they may participate in department meetings, serve on committees, and contribute to the academic community of the institution.

Despite working part-time, these instructors are expected to maintain a high level of expertise in their subject area and stay updated with advancements and current trends in the field.

 

Part-time College Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Part-time College Instructor should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge and expertise in their respective field, with the ability to impart complex concepts to students in a comprehensive and engaging manner.
• Effective communication skills to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, including the ability to explain difficult concepts in simple terms.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with a diverse student body, providing necessary academic guidance and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Time management skills to balance teaching duties, grading, office hours, and preparation of learning materials within a part-time schedule.
• Assessment skills to effectively evaluate student progress, grade assignments and exams, and provide constructive feedback.
• Patience and empathy to understand student difficulties and adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.
• Technological skills to leverage modern teaching aids, develop online content, and manage virtual learning platforms, especially important for remote learning scenarios.
• Continual commitment to professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field and improve teaching methodologies.

 

Part-time College Instructor Experience Requirements

Part-time College Instructors are generally required to have a Master’s degree in the subject they intend to teach, and in some cases, a doctoral degree may be preferred.

This academic journey provides them with a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience in their subject matter.

Before gaining a lecturer role, many part-time college instructors also gain experience in teaching or tutoring roles during their graduate studies.

This can include working as a Teaching Assistant or Tutor, which equips them with skills in course planning, student assessment, and classroom management.

Candidates with a few years of teaching experience in a college or university setup are often considered more favorably.

This could be full-time, part-time, or adjunct faculty positions, which help to develop teaching methodologies, curriculum development skills, and a deeper understanding of student needs.

In some cases, relevant industry experience is also valued, especially for vocational or professional courses.

Those with significant professional experience in their field of expertise can bring real-world insights and practical applications into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for students.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held senior academic roles or contributed significantly to their field through research and publications.

They may also be ready for roles that involve curriculum development, academic advising, or leading a department’s part-time faculty team.

 

Part-time College Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Part-time College Instructors usually hold at least a master’s degree in the subject they plan to teach.

Some institutions, particularly for upper-level courses, may require a doctoral degree.

Apart from subject expertise, they should have some teaching experience.

This could come through teaching assistantships during their graduate studies or post-doctoral fellowships.

For certain technical or professional fields, relevant industry experience might be considered alongside or even in lieu of advanced degrees.

For example, an experienced business professional might be considered for a part-time faculty position in a business school, even if they do not hold a Ph.D.

In addition to their degree and teaching experience, part-time College Instructors should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they need to engage with diverse student populations and foster an effective learning environment.

Many institutions also require their instructors to engage in ongoing professional development and stay current in their field.

This could involve attending academic conferences, publishing research, or taking part in relevant workshops and seminars.

While not usually a requirement, having a teaching certification or a credential in higher education teaching can make candidates more attractive for part-time college instructor positions.

This is especially the case for those without prior teaching experience.

It’s also noteworthy that requirements can vary significantly between institutions and even between departments within the same institution.

Therefore, candidates should carefully review the specific qualifications required for each part-time college instructor job they apply for.

 

Part-time College Instructor Salary Expectations

A Part-time College Instructor earns an average salary of $31,411 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary greatly depending on factors such as the subject taught, the geographical location of the college, the instructor’s level of education and experience, as well as the specific policies of the employing institution.

 

Part-time College Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Part-time College Instructor need?

Typically, a Part-time College Instructor needs at least a Master’s degree in their field of instruction, although many colleges prefer a Ph.D. Additionally, they should have extensive knowledge in their subject area and some teaching experience.

Also, they may need to meet other requirements depending on the institution, such as publishing scholarly articles or participating in professional organizations.

 

What are the common duties of a Part-time College Instructor?

Part-time College Instructors usually teach courses in their area of expertise, prepare lectures and assignments, grade student work, and provide feedback.

They may also hold office hours to answer student questions and guide them through course material.

Further, they might be involved in department meetings and curriculum development.

 

What skills does a Part-time College Instructor need?

A Part-time College Instructor should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey their knowledge to students and engage them in learning.

They should also have excellent organizational skills to manage their teaching materials, assignments, and grading.

Problem-solving skills are essential to help students understand complex concepts and overcome academic challenges.

 

What qualities make a good Part-time College Instructor?

A good Part-time College Instructor is passionate about their subject and able to inspire students to learn.

They are patient and understanding, able to adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles.

They are also dedicated to their students’ success and willing to go the extra mile to help them achieve their academic goals.

 

How flexible is a Part-time College Instructor’s schedule?

A Part-time College Instructor’s schedule can be quite flexible, as they often have the freedom to set their office hours and teaching times.

However, they must be available for the duration of the classes they are assigned to teach.

Additionally, they may need to spend time outside of class preparing lectures and grading assignments.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the reality of being a part-time college instructor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing.

It’s about shaping the minds of the future, one class at a time.

With our detailed part-time college instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at ready?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for meticulously crafted listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every class taught is a part of a larger educational journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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