Adjunct Faculty, Department of Leadership, Counseling, and Human Development

Job Summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive regional university dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and service. The College of Education prepares ethical, reflective, and innovative professionals who positively impact schools, communities, and organizations.

The Department of Leadership, Counseling, and Human Development (LCHD) seeks qualified adjunct faculty to teach undergraduate, master's, specialist, and doctoral courses in, but not limited to, Child and Youth Studies, Educational Leadership, School Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and related graduate and doctoral programs.

Adjunct faculty are expected to provide high-quality instruction, support student success, mentor future professionals, and contribute to professional preparation through evidence-based practice and scholarly engagement. Instruction may occur in face-to-face, hybrid, online, internship, practicum, and field-based settings.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Adjunct faculty are responsible for the following duties, as assigned:

Teaching and Instruction

• Teach assigned undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Develop and maintain course syllabi consistent with university, college, department, accreditation, and professional standards.
• Prepare engaging instructional materials aligned with program and course learning outcomes.
• Facilitate learning through evidence-based instructional practices.
• Foster critical thinking, professional judgment, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice.
• Maintain high standards of instructional excellence and professionalism.
• Comply with all state and Board of Governors regulations regarding instruction and textbooks

Student Learning and Assessment

• Evaluate student learning using established grading criteria, assessment rubrics, and program assessments.
• Provide timely and meaningful feedback that supports professional growth.
• Maintain accurate and current records of student progress, assignments, and grades in Canvas.
• Submit final grades according to university deadlines.

Internship, Practicum, and Applied Learning Responsibilities (when assigned)

• Supervise internships, practica, or field experiences.
• Conduct observations using department-approved assessment instruments.
• Evaluate candidate performance using established professional standards.
• Provide coaching and formative feedback that promotes professional growth.
• Collaborate with site supervisors, school districts, community agencies, and professional partners.
• Support candidates in applying theory to professional practice.
• Provide all relevant data and information in the required format for accreditation

Professional Responsibilities

• Utilize Canvas and university-supported instructional technologies.
• Respond to student communications in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with university policies and FERPA.
• Participate in required adjunct orientation and professional development.
• Remain current in professional standards, research, certification or licensure requirements, and instructional practices within the assigned discipline.
• Assist with curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement activities as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent professional degree (i.e. J.D.) in the teaching discipline or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution with at least eighteen (18) graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Appropriate Florida certification, licensure, or professional credentials when applicable.
• Successful professional experience in educational leadership, school counseling, curriculum and instruction, child and youth studies, special education, or related fields.
• Experience supervising internships or practica.
• Experience teaching graduate or doctoral students.
• Experience teaching online or hybrid courses.
• Experience using Canvas or comparable learning management systems.

Preferred Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate many of the following characteristics:

• Commitment to student success through high-quality instruction, mentoring, and timely feedback.
• Ability to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment that values differing perspectives and experiences.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and collegial collaboration.
• Ability to teach effectively in face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.
• Proficiency with Canvas and instructional technologies that support student learning.
• Commitment to continuous professional learning and scholarly engagement.
• Ability to integrate evidence-based practice into instruction.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, school districts, community agencies, and university stakeholders.
• Adaptability to evolving instructional practices, professional standards, accreditation expectations, and technology.
• Experience preparing educational leaders, counselors, specialists, and doctoral students for professional practice.
• Knowledge of professional standards, certification, licensure, and ethical expectations appropriate to the assigned discipline.
• Ability to mentor graduate students through reflective practice, leadership development, research, and applied learning.
• Commitment to continuous improvement through program assessment and accreditation activities.

Working Relationships

The adjunct faculty member reports to the Chair of the Department of Leadership, Counseling, and Human Development or the Chair’s designee. The adjunct faculty member works collaboratively with program coordinators, faculty, staff, students, and other College of Education and University representatives.

When assigned courses involving internships, practica, research supervision, or other applied learning experiences, the adjunct faculty member also works collaboratively with site supervisors, school and district leaders, counseling professionals, community agencies, educational organizations, and other professional partners. The adjunct faculty member is expected to maintain timely communication, professional conduct, confidentiality, and positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Environmental and Physical Requirements

The work is generally performed in classroom, office, online, school, counseling, community, or other professional settings appropriate to the assigned program. The position may require travel to internship, practicum, research, community, school district, or off-campus instructional sites.

The position requires the ability to:

• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, supervisors, and professional partners in person and through electronic formats.
• Use a computer, Canvas, videoconferencing platforms, and other instructional or professional technologies for extended periods.
• Prepare, present, and evaluate instructional materials, student work, and professional performance assessments.
• Attend scheduled classes, meetings, observations, dissertation or research activities, and professional events, including some evening or weekend assignments when required by the course or program.
• Move within university facilities and school, counseling, community, or professional settings as necessary to provide instruction, supervision, or observation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with university policies and applicable ethical and professional standards.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.