Whatcom Community College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track physics instructor beginning Fall Quarter 2019. The College is seeking a dynamic individual interested in developing and engaging students through the use and implementation of innovative and inclusive curriculum and teaching methods, including the application of technology, both inside and outside the classroom. The College seeks faculty who have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students, colleagues, staff, and others in a campus climate that promotes cultural diversity and global understanding. College faculty teach an equivalent of 15 credits per quarter and contribute to the College through committee service and program leadership and development.
Being a faculty member at Whatcom offers the opportunity to engage in the advancement of equitable student outcomes and the elimination of equity gaps. Faculty have regular opportunities for on-campus professional development, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement in workshops and learning communities. These opportunities contribute to professional advancement at the College, as well as personal growth. This position supports all four of the College's four core themes – achieving success, building community, advancing equity, and enhancing effectiveness.
The physics department prepares students for the physical sciences transfer or workforce. The successful applicant is expected:
- to teach all levels of physics, physical science and astronomy courses offered at Whatcom, which may include evening courses;
- to update, revise and maintain curriculum to the highest standards in the field;
- to collaborate with college faculty and administrators in contributing to the future vision and scope of physics and other STEM program at the college;
- to remain current in the field and adapt courses to meet changing job skills, research developments, and qualification requirements;
- to successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.
- to develop and maintain contacts and knowledge of companies and organizations in the community;
- to identify and contribute to activities that promote student development such as student clubs and/or other student volunteer activities; and
- to perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree in physics or related field, with a strong undergraduate physics background. Creative combinations or professional pathways to physics teaching are welcome.
- Evidence of experience teaching, tutoring, or supporting student learning with an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, including those with physical or learning disabilities as it relates to differences in learning styles.
- Evidence of strong interest in undergraduate science curriculum that involves student-centered inquiry and development of conceptual understanding for both science majors and general studies students.
- The ability to lead efforts to increase student success in the sciences, closing achievement gaps between demographic groups, remediation needs, cultural, economic, physical and health challenges, and students with general science anxiety including teaching a productive academic mindset that shows students they are capable of learning with practice and effort
- Experience instructing and assisting in the growth and success of a diverse population of students through careful preparation of course materials, incorporating pedagogies that support effective teaching methodologies for all students and informed critical feedback on assignments and discussions with the intent to remodel, or create new laboratory and curricular materials.
- Experience with culturally relevant course content, culturally responsive pedagogical techniques, and effective practices for engaging students who are diverse and/or are students who are historically underserved. The ideal candidate should have experience in this area with African American, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students.
- Experience working with grants, contracts, or other alternative project funding opportunities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication abilities with students and colleagues.
- Knowledge and understanding of Universal Design for Learning and accessibility; and experience using a learning management system, preferably Canvas.
- Bilingual
- Cultural competence and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Content knowledge in the program or discipline.
- A commitment to student centered, activity based and inclusive pedagogy.
- A commitment to WCC's vision as "an innovative college, engaged with our diverse and changing communities".
- Current Master's degree salary begins at $52,371 (additional degrees and experience increase rate); 174 day annual contract.
- The position comes with a full benefits package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
- Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the PSLF program. If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
- Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
- Fall Quarter, 2019.
- For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Friday, April 19th, 2019 at 4:59 pm. Position open until filled.
A completed application consists of an online application and:
- Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
- Diversity statement that responds to the following question (1 page max).
*Whatcom Community College has a strategic plan core theme to advance equity. Describe ways in which you have actively engaged and demonstrated a commitment to promoting the success of diverse students or employees.
- Current resume.
- Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date.
- List of five recent professional references with contact information.
