Academic Year 2012-13 One-Year Adjunct Instructor Postion Full/Part-Time

These positions have not yet been filled.  We are currently accepting applications until further notice.  

Overview

The Department of Mathematics at The University of Arizona offers academic-year, non-tenure track teaching appointments to individuals who are dedicated to a quality undergraduate program. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to work with other teachers to contribute to, and to be part of, an innovative learning environment.

You can read about the history of the Adjunct Instructor Program.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility is to teach courses such as college algebra, computer-based business math decisions, precalculus, and calculus as needed by the department. Special consideration will be given to candidates who are able to teach courses in statistics and courses for prospective elementary and secondary school teachers. Full-time appointments usually require teaching 12 credit hours each semester. Additional responsibilities include attendance at all appropriate course meetings and related training sessions. Instructors are also expected to participate in various departmental activities, such as tutoring and mentoring programs.

Qualifications

Mathematics teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, mathematics education, statistics, or a closely related field with a significant component in mathematics is required; a master’s degree or higher is preferred. Also preferred is teaching experience with a technology-intensive curriculum. Students who are currently in a UA graduate program should consult with their graduate program before applying for an adjunct position.

Compensation

The starting academic-year salary is $32,000 for a full-time appointment. Faculty employed at least half-time for the entire year enjoy full benefits and privileges.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted beginning Jan 23, 2012. Review will begin on Mar 1, 2012.

Application Procedure

Go to www.uacareertrack.com and search for job 47628. Please complete the online application. With the online application, please attach the following documents: a letter of interest referencing the job number, a résumé and a statement of goals and your philosophy of teaching. Please mail transcripts and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent directly to:

History

In 1985 the Mathematics Department began an extensive program to improve the teaching of its lower division courses. One key component of the program is the hiring of adjunct faculty who are committed to undergraduate education. These instructors would augment regular faculty and teaching assistants in order to provide every student in a beginning math class with a skilled, caring instructor. The additional instructors would allow the department to offer all its courses in small classes with about 35 students. It was felt that this can be accomplished successfully only in a special program. The program must be caring and personalized, and yet it must set high standards.

The hiring of adjunct faculty was the outgrowth of a plan developed by the Entry Level Committee to improve the quality of education for beginning students. The plan was founded on the following premises:

• Students must be provided with a supportive learning environment and taught by caring instructors, who are committed to undergraduate education.
• Entry Level courses must be structured to meet current student needs.
• Students must be placed in courses commensurate with their abilities and mathematical background.

Over the years the adjunct faculty have contributed immensely to the success in improving the quality of education for undergraduate students. Academic Performance Reviews conducted by the department every seven years have shown that the pass rates in beginning courses are much higher than those for the years before the Entry Level Program was created. Moreover, the percentage of students who successfully complete the first two years of mathematics courses is higher than pre-1985. This is due to a number of reasons one of which is the quality of instruction by adjunct faculty.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the University of Arizona recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds M/W/D/V.