United States onlyThe Section Instructor is responsible for the academic success of students enrolled in an online course in accordance with program and course objectives and course syllabi. Each Section Instructor should be highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for their assigned course, and maintain expertise in the subject area. The Section Instructor is expected to actively monitor and track individual student progress and provide support and direction as needed, both during the class and outside of class as needed and appropriate.
All SocialWork@Simmons courses are taught from a core syllabus that are designed by the course designer, in consultation with faculty. All syllabi are approved by the DSW committee and all faculty are expected to execute to the competencies and practice behaviors that each course claims in compliance with the CSWE DSW Standards. Simmons values the disciplinary competency faculty bring to the course and to students through feedback and insight provided. Any course modifications must be discussed with and approved by the appropriate program administration, with final approval from the Program Director prior to implementation.
Section Instructors use their experience and knowledge to help students meet the course objectives. It is expected that each Section Instructor will spend approximately 6-8 hours per week facilitating live instruction, providing support to students, evaluating required written assignments, reviewing asynchronous course materials, and preparing for the live sessions. We are actively recruiting faculty who can facilitate courses in the areas of teaching, practice, ethics & leadership.
- 1.5 hours of weekly live section facilitation and teaching
● 1 to 1.5 hours for out of classroom electronic support and scheduled appointments with students
● 1.5 hours to 3 hours prepping for teaching
● 1 to 2.5 hours monthly attendance at faculty and adjunct meetings each term
● 4-5 hours per week grading and assessing other student product
Specific Duties
● Teach material from approved curriculum in accordance with the syllabus and course design
● Assume responsibility for the academic supervision and teaching of enrolled students
● Attendance at regularly scheduled, mandatory program meetings
● Attendance at one whole faculty meeting per term
● Provide full coverage for all scheduled synchronous sessions/live sessions
● Participate in and lead asynchronous discussions and didactic sessions
● Maintain and evaluate records of student’s academic and field experience performance within the grading systems of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the University
● Provide meaningful and timely feedback on asynchronous and required written assignments. All feedback must be provided within 7-10 days of assigned due dates for submission
● Maintain all administrative/academic components of the course section, including grading of assignments, exams and appropriate clinical activities
● Maintain communication, both online and virtual/in person if possible and desired, with program administration on a regular basis regarding course and student-related performance, problems and concerns
● Respond in a clear and well-expressed manner to student questions within 24-48 hours
● Foster and encourage an online culture of learning that values professionalism, accountability, empathy, life-long learning, respect for diversity, and ethically-minded practice, as well as personal and professional development
General Qualifications
● PhD or DSW in Social Work required
- At least 5+ years social work education experience required
● Graduate level teaching experience preferred
● Online teaching exposure/experience preferred
Proprietary Issues
The online courses and materials relating hereto, in whatever form, offered by Simmons University are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University. All models, curricula, programs, materials and systems designed or developed by faculty engaged by Simmons University in connection with the teaching such courses shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University.
Online Instructor Training
Simmons University provides all Section Instructors with tailored training for online and hybrid course delivery models. It is mandatory that all Section Instructors complete the Online Instructor Orientation Course provided by Simmons University prior to starting their first class. The course introduces faculty to the expectations and best instructional practices at Simmons University.
Orientation will take approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
Technology Requirements
Adjunct Faculty are required to provide their own hardware (PC or Mac Computer), software, and internet access to facilitate the online courses at Simmons University. Simmons University is not responsible for the purchase, upgrade, or maintenance of online instructor’s telephone, computer and Internet service. Required software for courses will be provided at no additional cost to the instructor. The following are the recommended specifications for Section Instructors:
● Wired high-speed internet connection (8Mbps download & 3Mbps upload minimum speeds)
- Full-powered laptop or desktop computer that is less than 3 years old (not a netbook or tablet)
● Up-to-date operating system (old operating systems such as Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 are NOT supported)
● Webcam (laptops with integrated webcams usually work very well)
● Phone (need excellent reception where you plan to teach if using a mobile phone)
● Headset for your phone (be sure the headset includes a microphone)
Note: Simmons University will consult with Instructors to help determine if their technology is compatible.
Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).
Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.
