DSW, SocialWork@Simmons - Section Instructor

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

The Section Instructor is responsible for the academic success of students enrolled in an online course in accordance with program and course objectives and course syllabi. Each Section Instructor should be highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for their assigned course, and maintain expertise in the subject area. The Section Instructor is expected to actively monitor and track individual student progress and provide support and direction as needed, both during the class and outside of class as needed and appropriate.

All SocialWork@Simmons courses are taught from a core syllabus that are designed by the course designer, in consultation with faculty. All syllabi are approved by the DSW committee and all faculty are expected to execute to the competencies and practice behaviors that each course claims in compliance with the CSWE DSW Standards. Simmons values the disciplinary competency faculty bring to the course and to students through feedback and insight provided. Any course modifications must be discussed with and approved by the appropriate program administration, with final approval from the Program Director prior to implementation.

Section Instructors use their experience and knowledge to help students meet the course objectives. It is expected that each Section Instructor will spend approximately 6-8 hours per week facilitating live instruction, providing support to students, evaluating required written assignments, reviewing asynchronous course materials, and preparing for the live sessions. We are actively recruiting faculty who can facilitate courses in the areas of teaching, practice, ethics & leadership.

● 1.5 hours of weekly live section facilitation and teaching
● 1 to 1.5 hours for out of classroom electronic support and scheduled appointments with students
● 1.5 hours to 3 hours prepping for teaching
● 1 to 2.5 hours monthly attendance at faculty and adjunct meetings each term
● 4-5 hours per week grading and assessing other student product
 

Specific Duties
● Teach material from approved curriculum in accordance with the syllabus and course design
● Assume responsibility for the academic supervision and teaching of enrolled students
● Attendance at regularly scheduled, mandatory program meetings
● Attendance at one whole faculty meeting per term
● Provide full coverage for all scheduled synchronous sessions/live sessions
● Participate in and lead asynchronous discussions and didactic sessions
● Maintain and evaluate records of student’s academic and field experience performance within the grading systems of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the University
● Provide meaningful and timely feedback on asynchronous and required written assignments. All feedback must be provided within 7-10 days of assigned due dates for submission
● Maintain all administrative/academic components of the course section, including grading of assignments, exams and appropriate clinical activities
● Maintain communication, both online and virtual/in person if possible and desired, with program administration on a regular basis regarding course and student-related performance, problems and concerns
● Respond in a clear and well-expressed manner to student questions within 24-48 hours
● Foster and encourage an online culture of learning that values professionalism, accountability, empathy, life-long learning, respect for diversity, and ethically-minded practice, as well as personal and professional development

General Qualifications
● PhD or DSW in Social Work required
● At least 5+ years social work education experience required
● Graduate level teaching experience preferred
● Online teaching exposure/experience preferred

Proprietary Issues
The online courses and materials relating hereto, in whatever form, offered by Simmons University are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University. All models, curricula, programs, materials and systems designed or developed by faculty engaged by Simmons University in connection with the teaching such courses shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Simmons University.

Online Instructor Training
Simmons University provides all Section Instructors with tailored training for online and hybrid course delivery models. It is mandatory that all Section Instructors complete the Online Instructor Orientation Course provided by Simmons University prior to starting their first class. The course introduces faculty to the expectations and best instructional practices at Simmons University.
Orientation will take approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.

Technology Requirements
Adjunct Faculty are required to provide their own hardware (PC or Mac Computer), software, and internet access to facilitate the online courses at Simmons University. Simmons University is not responsible for the purchase, upgrade, or maintenance of online instructor’s telephone, computer and Internet service. Required software for courses will be provided at no additional cost to the instructor. The following are the recommended specifications for Section Instructors:
● Wired high-speed internet connection (8Mbps download & 3Mbps upload minimum speeds)

● Full-powered laptop or desktop computer that is less than 3 years old (not a netbook or tablet)
● Up-to-date operating system (old operating systems such as Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 are NOT supported)
● Webcam (laptops with integrated webcams usually work very well)
● Phone (need excellent reception where you plan to teach if using a mobile phone)
● Headset for your phone (be sure the headset includes a microphone)

Note: Simmons University will consult with Instructors to help determine if their technology is compatible.

Compensation: $6,090 (per section)

This role is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the union SEIU, Local 509.

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process.

This is a non-benefits eligible position.

Compensation for adjunct faculty is established at a set rate per course and does not vary based on experience, education, or other factors. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, retirement savings, and other offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.