English Full-Time Instructor, Ethnic Studies Focus

1

Mission College

The English Department at Mission College is now accepting applications for a full-time, tenure-track English instructor who can teach Ethnic Studies courses and help the college develop our offerings in this area.  Our aim is to find an ideal candidate who will contribute to the college and the English Department and be able to teach a course in a minimum of one other discipline tied to Ethnic Studies.

We are looking for someone with a willingness to help our department and college evolve and grow in the areas of equity-minded practices, and culturally responsive teaching focused on problem-solving in a culturally relevant, active learning curriculum that builds intellectual capacity within a supportive, culturally affirming learning environment.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a commitment to teaching and academic excellence, be prepared to support diverse students in a range of English and Ethnic Studies courses and take an active role in departmental and college activities. 

Mission College, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is seeking a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Recognized as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Mission College is known for the strength of our academic programs and faculty as well as our equity-minded and student-focused approach that combines high-tech and high-touch. Applicants interested in teaching within an energetic, student-centered culture that looks to the future would find Mission College a perfect fit.

This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track faculty position that begins in Fall 2021. Instructional assignments may include day and/or evening classes, Monday thru Saturday, as needed. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT / AFT Local 6554).

Work location: Mission College, Santa Clara, CA

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $71,256 to $110,892 annually, based upon academic achievement, teaching and related experience (Academic Salary Schedule, Steps 1-9).

Benefits include:

• Employer-contributed medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse and dependents.
• Employer paid long term disability for employee.
• Employer-provided life insurance.
• Sabbatical, Rejuvenation and Retraining Leaves.
• Banked leave provisions.
• Professional Growth and Development activities.
• 10 days sick leave accrued annually; personal necessity and catastrophic leave.
• Conference leaves.
• Opportunity for overload assignments.
• Cal STRS Retirement.
• Position is union affiliated.

1. Education – Possess one of the following:

• Master’s degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in linguistics, TESL, speech, education with a specialization in reading, creative writing or journalism; OR
• A valid California Community College Instructor’s Credential in English; OR
• The equivalent of the above.

AND

2. Understanding of, and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.

AND

3. Equivalence to the any of the following qualifications for the Ethnic Studies discipline:

• Master’s in the ethnic studies field; OR
• Master’s in American Studies/Ethnicity, Latino Studies, La Raza Studies, Central American Studies, Latin American Studies, Cross Cultural Studies, Race and Ethnic Relations, Asian-American Studies, or African-American Studies.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualifications:

• Successful experience in teaching, or evidence of preparation to teach, a range of English composition courses at the college level, including developmental and transfer composition
• Successful experience in teaching, or evidence of preparation to teach, a range of Ethnic Studies courses at the college level
• Background and/or experience in teaching research strategies and a college research essay
• Knowledge of best practices for online/virtual teaching, particularly for students who may not be familiar with this modality 
• Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to collaboration, and a flexible approach to working in the evolving community college landscape
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to self-reflection and adaptation both in the classroom and as a member of the department and college community
• Skills in, knowledge of, and experience with intentionally anti-racist and culturally responsive teaching
• Knowledge of best practices in terms of retention and success for community college students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, cultures, and learning styles, as well as students with disabilities or varied levels of academic preparation
• The ability to take on projects, including curriculum development, along with organizational and program development

• Interest, training, and/or experience in teaching Ethnic Studies courses
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and needs of disproportionately impacted student populations, including those student populations identified in California Assembly Bill No. 1460
• Able to teach a course in a minimum of one other discipline tied to Ethnic Studies. Note: An Ethnic Studies Degree may be acceptable if the candidate can make a valid argument for equivalency to teach English
• Knowledge of current composition theory and pedagogy
• Ability to integrate composition theory and the teaching of critical thinking and reading into various composition courses
• Ability to organize and explain materials in ways appropriate to students with differing abilities, levels of preparation, and cultural experience, as well as teaching experience with non-native English speakers
• Ability to employ various teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, and support staff

Instructional duties and assignments may consist of one or more of the following:

• Provide instruction for assigned courses. This includes preparation, in-class activities, evaluation of students’ work, consultation with students outside of class (scheduling time beyond normal office hours if necessary), ensuring regular effective student contact for Distance Education courses, maintenance of currency in the subjects taught and other efforts related to the teaching of the assigned classes, and participate in the process of SLO assessment and evaluation and use the results of these assessments in the process of continuously improving student learning.
• Maintain accurate class and other records.
• Submit, when due, all necessary reports, such as attendance, grade reports, rosters, class and office schedules.
• File a syllabus for each course with the appropriate division offices.
• Post and maintain office hours each week.
• Provide each student with a current course syllabus as required by Title 5, which includes SLOs, classroom procedures, requirements and grading policies and provide a copy to the Division Office.
• Refer students to appropriate college resources.
• Assist students by providing advice on requirements for successful achievement in the members’ area of expertise.
• Assume institutional responsibilities, essential to the ongoing operation and effective achievement of department, division, college and district programs.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Supplemental application questions; (3) Resume; (4) Unofficial copies of transcripts; (5) Cover letter and/or reference list, if requested; and (6) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
• All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
• Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will be removed from your application and will not be used for consideration of employment.
• The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:

• If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
• Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
• Candidates with degrees not identical to the required state or local qualifications must apply for equivalency by completing the equivalency form, which is part of the application package. See Equivalency Information below.
• Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application. A list of sample credential review services is available on the District HR website at: https://wvm.edu/services/hr/careers/Forms/Foreign%20Degree%20Equivalency%20Resources.pdf
• If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store; then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
• Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:
Applicants applying under equivalency bear the responsibility of submitting the District’s Equivalency Application form with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) that they believe to be equivalent of the required qualifications for this position. Application(s) for equivalency are required if degrees are not in exact discipline required.

The Equivalency Application is included in the online application as an OPTIONAL form to complete.

• ONLY complete the Request for Equivalency application if degree does not match discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.
• List accurately and completely the courses taken that match requirements of the required degree.
• Do NOT attach documents such as course evaluations.

For assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 867-9059
Email: Jobs@wvm.edu

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:

• After the deadline date, a committee will review and evaluate applications and supporting materials to select the applicants to be interviewed. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not assure the candidate an interview.
• All candidates will receive an e-notification to acknowledge receipt of their application materials. If not contacted within 3-6 weeks following the close of the recruitment, no suitable match was determined at this time.
• Travel expenses to attend first-level interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
• Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
• The District may choose to re-advertise or indefinitely delay filling a position. Some positions may include first and second level interviews.
• The District reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
• Any tentative verbal offer of employment is contingent upon formal approval of the college Governing Board.
• Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
• Prior to employment, the selected candidate must submit official transcripts.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

FY20/21-024FT

02/01/2021

03/01/2021

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