Lecturer

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (https://www.umass.edu/honors/) invites applicants for a full-time (9-month academic year/MSP Union), non-tenure track lecturer for classroom instruction within the honors curriculum. The honors courses to be taught include an interdisciplinary freshman seminar, "Ideas That Change the World," which is comprised of units on models of inquiry, social thought, science and technology, and the arts. Other honors courses may include those affiliated with residential academic programs, honors thesis seminar, and others with General Education designations. This person will also perform service in support of the mission and goals of the College.

Essential Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CHC community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Commonwealth Honors College.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or other terminal degree.
• A minimum of three years teaching experience.
• Demonstrate an interest in joining a team of instructors dedicated to excellence in teaching using creative and student-centered pedagogical approaches.
• Demonstrate inclusiveness and accessibility to support the success of a diverse student body.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience teaching small courses within a liberal arts framework
• Working knowledge of flexible learning pedagogies including usage of Zoom and Teams
• Exceptional teaching record, including ability to use active-learning techniques

Additional Details

This is an academic year, benefited position with an initial 2-year appointment that is renewable contingent upon performance. Currently, lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are automatically eligible for continuous employment after they have been in this position for three years. Thus, the position is intended to become a long-term career and includes the potential for long-term employment and promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks.

Work Schedule

This position is intended to start July 1, 2025 for preparation for the academic year which begins September 1, 2025.

Salary Information

Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Application Instructions

Applications should include a CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, name and contact information for three (3) references, and a diversity statement (please see details below). Candidates may also be asked to provide student evaluations of their teaching performance. Priority deadline is January 15, 2025.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CHC seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. Candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (as stated above). The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarship, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. (https://www.umass.edu/diversity/resources)

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.