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Instructor of American Studies - Durham, NC, Campus

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Description of Work

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled (with priority consideration given to applications received by Monday, March 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM)

HIRING SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience

POSITION TYPE: EHRA Faculty, 10-month, FLSA Exempt, 1.0 FTE

EXPECTED START DATE: August 1, 2024

NCSSM is ranked as the #2 Best Public High School in the U.S

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) invites applications for a full-time Instructor of American Studies position at its campus in Durham, North Carolina. The position is a 10-month, permanent-track appointment with full benefits through the State of North Carolina.

NCSSM and its Academic Programs division foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research. NCSSM values the diversity in our student body, and all members of the NCSSM community are expected to foster a safe environment of respect and inclusion for all faculty, staff, and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Description of Duties:

Founded in 1980, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a state-supported residential and online high school for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent or interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Since the school’s inception, the humanities and fine arts have been an integral part of an NCSSM education and have played a key role in helping the institution fulfill its mission to cultivate a new generation of informed, empathetic, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders.

The position reports to the Chair of Humanities, NCSSM-Durham, and is responsible for providing instruction in American Studies, a two-course sequence required of all NCSSM juniors. It is the core shared humanities experience for all incoming students—a course in which students not only gain a sense of the chronology of American history, literature, and culture but also dive deeply into selected primary and secondary texts, topics, and issues in American culture. Students earn double credit for this course: a credit in English and a credit in History/Social Science for each semester’s study. All sections of this multi-section course focus on the study of primary sources in their historical and cultural contexts: historical documents, literary texts, and other cultural artifacts that highlight multiple voices and experiences. 

The expected teaching assignment for the position is three course sections of American Studies each semester. The new instructor will co-teach the course with a colleague with complementary expertise for at least two years, with opportunities to extend that collaboration. Co-teaching involves collaboration to develop an integrated syllabus in light of the American Studies program’s shared learning outcomes and course guidelines, and daily collaboration to teach the course and assess students’ learning.

During the second year at NCSSM, the instructor may have the opportunity to teach one of NCSSM’s senior-level interdisciplinary humanities electives—courses that emphasize critical reading, critical thinking, and academic writing. 

NCSSM Humanities also includes a strong fine arts program that offers courses and extracurricular opportunities in the visual arts, music, and drama. NCSSM Humanities also offers student- and faculty-led seminars and independent studies. 

Humanities faculty are responsible for developing and teaching innovative and engaging humanities curricula, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies, in NCSSM’s residential and highly interactive online programs. Faculty should plan on playing an enthusiastic role with colleagues across all campuses of the school in ongoing conversations and collaborations about ideas, goals, pedagogical methods, and authentic assessments in NCSSM’s teaching and learning environment.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Develop and communicate to students clear course objectives and goals;
  • Plan and develop an instructional program that helps students assimilate specific course content and skills;
  • Hold office hours and tutorial sessions as outlined by the Department of Humanities;
  • Regularly monitor and evaluate students’ progress, providing them with resources and feedback on their performance;
  • Structure and manage an environment conducive to learning;
  • Model for students responsibility to self and others;
  • Follow the school’s philosophy, policies, and procedures;
  • Participate in departmental, faculty, and staff meetings;
  • Serve on departmental, faculty, and school-wide standing committees;
  • Write recommendations for as many as 15 students each year, as requested;
  • Serve as a January-Term sponsor;
  • Participate in professional development and personal intellectual growth activities;
  • Participate in one or more of the following activities:
  • Provide professional service and engagement in the field;
  • Assist students with special projects, independent and individual study, and seminar-based studies;
  • Participate in the NCSSM admissions process by recruiting, selecting, and advising prospective students;
  • Participate in NCSSM alumni activities;
  • Provide assistance for school-sponsored programs and extracurricular activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Applicants for this position should have a wide-ranging knowledge of American history and its cultural and social contexts, a passion for teaching and learning, and a love of ideas, combined with a commitment to serving as mentor and guide for students — both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Since NCSSM is committed to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the humanities, knowledge of American literature, art, and other disciplines within the humanities is also desirable. Applicants should be able and willing to use appropriate educational technology to engage students in learning, in both face-to-face and remote settings. Applicants should be dedicated to continual growth, both as teachers and learners. Since all NCSSM faculty and staff are expected to support the intellectual, cultural, emotional, and social growth of students — responsibilities that transcend a traditional high school or college teaching schedule — applicants should bring to the work a commitment to participating actively in the multi-dimensional life of the NCSSM community.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s Degree in American history, social studies, or a related field in the humanities or social sciences, with a proven record of effective and inspiring teaching with advanced high school or undergraduate students. Successful candidates will have the content knowledge to co-teach American Studies, the core Humanities experience for all NCSSM juniors, and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues to develop and follow shared practices for this multi-section course. Successful candidates will also have the expertise and experience to develop and teach high-interest interdisciplinary humanities courses for NCSSM’s senior students.

Desired:

Experience and/or interest in co-teaching and a willingness to work closely with colleagues as part of ongoing collaborations to review, assess, and update NCSSM’s American Studies and Humanities programs.

Experience in teaching writing as a tool and extension of thought, a means by which students integrate and articulate what they have learned. Willingness to teach in both NCSSM’s residential and online programs, with experience in using appropriate educational technology to engage students in face-to-face and remote settings. 

Excellent organizational and collaboration skills. Experience and expertise in individualizing instruction to accommodate the range of students’ experiences and expertise.

The ideal candidate will be eager to participate fully in the wide variety of academic and cultural endeavors our school values, offers, and promotes. An exciting feature of NCSSM’s academic calendar is “January-Term,” consisting of two two-week sessions when faculty members lead intensive learning experiences both on and off campus. The ideal candidate will have the interest and ability to develop and lead these sessions on specialized topics that will appeal to NCSSM students. We also offer opportunities for students to travel domestically and abroad during this period; as such, experience in leading student travel groups and/or the willingness to do so is a definite plus. 

Supplemental and Contact Information

. Team NCSSM Benefits:

Free On-Campus Parking

Vacation: EHRA Faculty earn from 14 days to 26 days per year based on years of state service (part-time employees are pro-rated). Leave is earned monthly.

Sick Leave: 12 days per year.

Additional Leave: Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave (PPL), Civil Leave, Extended Illness, Short/Long Term Disability, Family Illness Leave, Military Leave, Community Service Leave, Bonus Leave, Voluntary Shared Leave and Leave Without Pay.

Holidays: 12 days per year

Benefits: The University System offers eligible employees a flexible and comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to University-provided group life insurance, various retirement savings options, group health plan coverage, dental, vision, critical illness, cancer, flexible spending accounts, accident, disability coverage, educational assistance, and more. These programs can help employees achieve retirement savings and career goals, as well as assistance with meeting everyday health and educational needs. The benefits programs are designed for employees to tailor a benefits package that best meets their needs. 

Health Insurance: Employee only coverage under the State Health Plan (PPO) is provided to employees that work 30 or more hours a week. The cost is determined by the type of coverage elected by the employee. Dependent coverage is available by payroll deduction.

Retirement: Required participation for all employees working 3/4 time or more. Option (1) Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) requires 6% of gross salary. Employees are vested for retirement after 5 years. Option (2) The Optional Retirement Program (ORP) requires 6% of gross salary. Employees in ORP are vested after 5 years of participating in ORP. As a participant in either retirement program, you are automatically covered for short-term disability (eligible after 1 year of service/no cost), long term disability (eligible after 5 years of service/no cost). Death benefit of minimum $25,000/maximum $50,000 based on previous 12 month salary (eligible after 1 year of service/no cost).

Supplemental Retirement Plans: Supplemental retirement plans provide an additional opportunity to help you reach your retirement goals. Supplemental Plan offerings such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) on a Roth (after-tax) or pre-tax contributions from several different vendors.

Tuition Waiver: Three courses per academic year tuition free (at any of UNC 17 campuses that offer courses) for permanent full-time employees.

State Employees Credit Union: Membership welcomed. Contact the SECU Credit Union for information.

Community Service: 24 hours leave credited each calendar year (prorated for part-time) unless you choose the Mentoring/ tutoring option – 1 hour each week up to a max of 36 hours that schools are in session as documented by the elected board of the local education agency or the governing authority of any non-public school.

Facilities: Library & Gymnasium - other athletic facilities available at no cost to employees. Cafeteria on site.

About NCSSM:

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from diverse backgrounds from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer residential high school programs in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors or virtual high school courses and programs that students can take alongside their local curriculum, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising 5th- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. NCSSM Extended Learning partners with communities and regions to advance student learning and outcomes.

Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math, and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980 and is a full constituent of the University of North Carolina System. NCSSM’s Ignite + Transform comprehensive campaign seeks to raise $50 million in private support for our mission.

The new NCSSM-Morganton campus opened in 2022 for summer programs and its first fall academic term and focuses on the fields of data science and artificial intelligence, preparing the leaders of tomorrow to navigate a future driven by data and machine learning, with emphasis on the humanistic implications and ethical use of these tools.

Nearly two-thirds of NCSSM graduates earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field—more than three times the national average, including 58 percent of our underrepresented minority graduates, which is nearly four times the national average. Nearly three-quarters have earned or are seeking a graduate degree. A 2020 economic impact study found that 54 percent of our alumni continue to live and work in North Carolina, catalyzing nearly $1.3 billion in annual economic activity. NCSSM values the diversity in our student body, and all members of the NCSSM community are expected to foster a safe environment of respect and inclusion for all faculty, staff, and students.

For more information, please read the NCSSM strategic plan and visit ncssm.edu.

How to Apply:

Submit electronic application via this link: Instructor of American Studies - Durham, NC, Campus on governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina. 

Please complete your application in full. All required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form in its entirety. “See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume” will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

PLEASE ATTACH a cover letter, CV, and statement of teaching philosophy to the online application before submitting.

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If applicants are a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least six years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22 along with their state application.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Please refrain from submitting multiple applications. However, if multiple applications are submitted to a posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting close date will be accepted. There is a 24-hour waiting period before an applicant can re-apply to a position.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy Fullgraf, Humanities Resources Consultant, at fullgraf@ncssm.edu.

NCSSM is an EEO/eVerify/VEVRAA Employer

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments:

There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.

For permanent and time-limited appointments:

Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.

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