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The Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine is seeking part-time instructor applicants for the upcoming academic years. Our Fall 2025 semester begins September 1, 2025.

We are seeking instructors to teach courses in a blended format for a cohort in SAD 17, Oxford Hills and we are seeking instructors to teach courses in asynchronous formats, as well:

Courses Include:

Teaching PreK – 12 Literature (EDU 512) - Educators will examine the role of literature in literacy learning. Emphasis will be on the promotion of wide reading in a variety of genres and attending to the appropriate selection of literature to meet reading interests, needs, and abilities of students K-12. In addition to examining criteria for evaluating and selecting materials, participants will consider curriculum implications and learn creative strategies for teaching children’s and adolescent literature and enhancing reading for all students. Participants will have the opportunity to develop projects and investigate areas of interest to fulfill their professional needs.

Disciplinary Literacies (EDU 614) - This course provides an introduction to disciplinary literacies and their applications in core academic subjects. In particular, it examines approaches and strategies for apprenticing PreK-12 students into disciplinary habits of thought and communication. It also emphasizes the role language plays in developing disciplinary reading, writing, speaking, and listening practices.

Reading Development and Instruction (EDU 620) - Becoming a reader is a developmental process, and literacy acquisition is continuous throughout a person’s life. This course examines theoretical frameworks for literacy instruction based on this perspective. Current issues in the teaching of reading will be examined with an emphasis on applications for Pre-K-12, adult learners, English language learners, and learners with special needs. Effective instructional methods and authentic assessment tools will be modeled and practiced. Readings represent contemporary research and practice, and assignments are intended for purposeful application. Through class sessions, classroom practice, and professional reading, students will be expected to synthesize information, generate implications for literacy instruction, and apply their learning by assessing and creating an instructional plan for a learner.

Writing Development and Instruction (EDU626) -This course focuses on the study of writing development in PreK-12 students and how classroom teachers can facilitate writing through a process approach. Many writing strategies for the classroom and the individual writer will be modeled and applied according to current theory and practice. Diverse learners, technology, and writing standards will also be examined. In addition, students will participate in writing workshops.

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. All Special Education programs are fully online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Synchronous sessions meet using the Zoom conferencing platform and meet in the late afternoons and evenings so that those currently working in schools can attend. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

USM’s Department of Literacy, Language and Culture (https://usm.maine.edu/literacy-language-culture/) program recognizes the challenges that readers and writers face today. Embracing both tradition and innovation, we explore established and emergent teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse PreK-12 learners. We prepare our graduate students to design and implement literacy instruction at all levels while emphasizing cross-cultural competence.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-PATFA.pdf) provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation (https://usmdl.org/) provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.

The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/literacy-language-culture/) is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University (https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/) .

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates diverse perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. USM encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, and those with differing abilities, experiences, and cultural perspectives.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications:

+ Master’s Degree in Education or related field.

+ P-12 Teaching Experience.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page (http://usm.careers.maine.edu) and submit the following:

+ Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.

+ Curriculum vitae or resume

+ Contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate(s).

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email ([email protected]) or call 207.780.4035.

EEO Statement:

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)