Adjunct Instructor of OTA

Description

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

Adjunct faculty members must be an initially credentialed OT or OTA and are significant contributors to the quality of education that Goodwin University delivers and the value of the educational experience our students receive. An adjunct faculty member is hired to teach 9 credits or less in a semester. Their employment is contingent on the availability of assignments and the needs of the university. They are employed from semester to semester with no continuing employment rights and no benefits received from the university. Their salary is based on education and number of semesters of employment at the university. The OTA Program is recruiting a pool of applicants for future openings. Applicants will be matched best to their areas of expertise.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

Adjunct faculty members are vital to Goodwin University’s educational community. They are expected to follow all of the essential functions of our instructors, which are to:

• In collaboration with the PD, coordinate, plan, organize, and instruct courses in the day, evening, or on weekends as assigned
• Ensure that each course contains essential curricular components related to ACOTE standards of accreditation, which includes appropriate content and pedagogy, and maintains currency in the field
• Use the approved course syllabus format when creating/updating course syllabi
• Teach all classes according to an approved course syllabus
• Ensure that assigned classes are held as scheduled and maintain excellent attendance and punctuality
• Contact the department chair/program director immediately if an absence is necessary in order to  notify students and provide instructional materials, protocols, and directions to ensure consistent and sequential classroom instruction
• Post and maintain office hours for student consultations
• Keep students informed  and updated concerning course content, class requirements, and evaluation procedures
• Keep students informed about their progress through the prompt grading of papers and other work
• Provide students with a mid-term report of their progress
• Convey university-related information to students in a timely manner as requested by university officials
• Maintain accurate and complete scholastic records, including attendance records for the first two weeks of each semester
• Conduct class evaluations and complete other university evaluations in accordance with university policy
• Hold the final exam at the time scheduled on the university’s Final Exam Schedule
• Submit grades, incompletes, one to one documentation, and change of grade forms to the Registrar’s Office when appropriate
• Submit required reports to the appropriate university personnel
• Recommend textbooks and other instructional materials including classroom and laboratory equipment to Program Directors and/or Department Chairs
• Assess student academic achievement and demonstrate modification of teaching techniques in accordance with assessment feedback
• Make suggestions to the Program Director/Department Chair concerning the improvement of the curriculum in keeping with the objectives of the university
• Assist in the university’s library collection development by working with the library director to select, evaluate, and weed library resources in each appropriate discipline
• Make use of available university online resources (blackboard, website, office hour posting, syllabi posting, grade book, Instructional Policy Manual, etc.)
• Incorporate instructional technologies in instructional delivery
• Study and utilize students' learning styles in each class in order to facilitate the best teaching and learning situations
• Identify and refer students who not meeting program expectations to the PD and appropriate student resources
• Become thoroughly familiar with all university policies and procedures and comply with all university policies and procedures
• Support a multicultural environment and embrace the University’s rich diversity
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times
• Demonstrate professional attitude, philosophy, compassion, and commitment that promotes student growth and learning
• Promote and maintain a healthy and safe educational work environment, free from harassment and discrimination
• Whenever possible, attend departmental meetings and participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals and curriculum review based on student learning outcomes
• Whenever possible, attend professional development activities to remain informed of current trends and new approaches to instruction
• Whenever possible, attend and participate in Community Day events at the university
• Whenever possible, attend faculty meetings, university assemblies, professional development, orientation, graduation, alumni activities, admission events, and other meetings as called by an administrator of the university
• Whenever possible, serve on university committees

Other Responsibilities:

Adjunct faculty are also required:

• To maintain licenses, certifications and other professional credentials for the profession
• To develop and maintain productive relationships with the local community and other relevant stakeholders
• Uphold current ethical standards in accordance with the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics.

Knowledge Ability & Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in specific field of study
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Dedication to excellence in teaching and committed to high academic and professional standards
• Effective communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work collegially in a team environment
• Ability to exercise individual initiative, independent action, and sound judgment

Qualifications

Education, Skills, and Experience Requirements:

Adjunct faculty must have:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or related field preferred.
• Prior teaching experience at the university level preferred

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)