Adjunct Faculty (ECE)

Job Description:

Pacific Oaks College invites applications for the position of Adjunct Faculty in the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BA ECE) program. We are seeking dedicated educators who are passionate about fostering inclusive and positive learning environments for young children. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in early childhood education, relevant professional experience, and a commitment to supporting the diverse needs of our student population. This position offers the opportunity to teach in-person at our Pasadena campus, as well as off-site and online.

Interested applicants should submit their CV and cover letter, along with two letters of recommendation and official transcripts for their highest degree conferred. Please note that official transcripts will be required upon hiring. Join us in shaping the future of early childhood education!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Adjunct Faculty position in the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BA ECE) program plays a key role in preparing future educators to create inclusive, positive learning environments for young children. The faculty member will teach courses grounded in a constructivist framework, emphasizing diversity, equity, and social justice in early childhood education. This role involves guiding students through essential theories of pedagogy and child development, promoting inquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

The position reports to the Dean and is based in Pasadena, CA, with potential assignments to teach at offsite locations or online.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The adjunct faculty member operates with a high degree of independence in managing day-to-day responsibilities, receiving minimal direct instruction. Guidance is provided for new assignments or projects, allowing the faculty members to utilize their expertise while aligning with departmental goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Instructional Responsibilities

• Provide college-level instruction for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), ensuring alignment with program goals and learning outcomes.
• Design and deliver lectures, activities, and assignments that promote engagement and meet course objectives.
• Employ diverse instructional methods to foster an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population.

2. Assessment and Evaluation

• Assess student assignments thoroughly and provide constructive, timely feedback.
• Evaluate student performance through assignments, projects, participation, and presentations using standard college-level grading methods.

3. Curriculum Development and Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues on course curriculum and teaching strategies to promote critical thinking and reflective practice.
• Develop and adjust course materials to align with program objectives and evolving best practices in the field.

4. Professional Development

• Stay current with scholarship, research, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Continuously improve instructional strategies to enhance the learning experience.

5. Communication and Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records of student progress and performance.
• Respond to student inquiries via email or phone in a timely manner.
• Use technology effectively to support instruction and communication with students.

Is regular attendance an essential function?  ☒ Yes          ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• KNOWLEDGE:
  • Cognitive Development: How Children Learn
  • Assessment and Research in Early Childhood Education
  • Emergent Curriculum: Reflecting Learner Lives
  • Family Violence and Child Abuse
  • Separation, Deployment Trauma, and Early Development
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEAM) in Early Childhood Education
  • Trauma, Culture, and Immigration
  • Technology in Early Childhood Education
  • Play, Language, and Literacy in Early Childhood
  • Public Policy and Its Impact on Children and Families
  • Balancing Ethical and Moral Considerations in Early Childhood Education
• SKILLS:
  • Proficiency in common internet tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to effectively communicate using Pacific Oaks College’s learning management system
  • Ability to create and implement curriculum in alignment with learning outcomes
• ABILITIES:
  • Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for a diverse student population
  • Evaluate student work and provide timely, constructive feedback
  • Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and teaching strategies
  • Integrate diverse instructional methods to meet the needs of all learners.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: 

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.

• Experience:
  • Relevant professional experience in Early Childhood Education.
  • Familiarity with andragogy and adult learning theory.
  • Knowledge in trauma and crisis intervention.
  • Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Commitment to supporting the mission of Pacific Oaks College.

Preferred: 

• Education:
  • Doctorate in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

• Experience:
  • Publications, presentations, and research in early childhood education.
  • Certification in counseling, trauma, or grief response.
  • Knowledge of Canvas learning management system

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment; typically, 70 degrees
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderately noisy while in the office

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer/Laptop
• Telephone
• Copier, scanner and fax machines

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS: :

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing                        ☒ Lifting:  5 Lbs.   ☒ Walking

☒ Hearing                          ☒ Speaking                        ☒ Writing

☒ Seeing                          ☒ Other:  Typing

Physical Environment - Exposed to: 

☒ Noise       ☒Other:  Dust

Mental Demands: 

☒ Reading                          ☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention   

☒ Detailed Work                ☒ Frequent Contact with People

☒ Frequent Deadlines   

TRAVEL: (% of total time): Up to 50% of total time

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quite to moderately noisy while in the office.  The office temperature is about 70 degrees.

DECISION MAKING:

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the department. Independent judgment is required in the supervision of personnel as well as in the carrying out of the department's strategic goals and budget management.

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Routine exchange or presentation of information.

Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students and employees.  Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts. 

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

DISCLAIMER:

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustrations of the various aspects of the position and types of responsibilities that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position and does not preclude management from assignment duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.  This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. 

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment of any type. In keeping with this commitment and as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 and all other applicable federal and state laws, Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination and harassment against its employees, students and applicants in its programs and activities based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, age (over 40), medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information or characteristics protected by the state or federal employment harassment and discrimination laws.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $25.00-27.50 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Pacific Oaks offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.