Part-Time Faculty: First Year Writing

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) invites applications for a part-time, remote Adjunct Faculty position in First Year Writing within the Bachelor of Arts program, offered through the YourPace competency-based education (CBE) model. These fully online, asynchronous, 8-week courses emphasize the development of writing, reading, and critical thinking skills in a two-course sequence. The first course places an emphasis on expository prose, including rhetorical strategies such as observation, explanation, and persuasion engaging with source materials. The second course emphasizes exposition and argument as employed in various academic disciplines including generation and evaluation of arguments, synthesis of different sources, and research methods. The sequence attends to the development of awareness and refinement of the student’s own writing process, and must be completed to fulfill the University’s General Education Writing as Critical Thought requirement.

Adjunct faculty may serve as Instructors of Record and/or contribute to course development. Teaching assignments occur six times per year with multiple start dates. Faculty report to the Chair of Arts & Humanities and work closely with the Coordinator of General Education. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging, student-centered instruction in a fully online, asynchronous environment
• Teach assigned courses in First Year Writing
• Facilitate student mastery of critical thinking, rhetorical strategies according to genre, and entering ongoing academic conversations
• Provide timely, substantive feedback on assessments and projects (within 72 hours)
• Guide students in developing skills in critical reading, clear written communication, and reflection on the writing process
• Support student progress in the CBE framework and maintain regular communication via email, Zoom, or phone
• Utilize learning management systems and instructional technology effectively

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in English
• Experience teaching First Year Writing at the college level
• Experience using learning management systems and instructional technology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students
• Commitment to competency-based education and self-paced, mastery-focused learning 
• Technology Requirements: YourPace Adjunct Faculty are required to have the appropriate technology to teach in a fully online environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Computer (laptop) with appropriate amounts of processing speed
  • High-speed internet connection
  • Webcam
  • Microphone

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in English/Composition
• College-level teaching experience across a broad range of writing and literature courses
• Experience teaching in CBE, online, hybrid, or nontraditional formats
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (student evaluations, peer observations, teaching portfolio)
• Commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments supporting students from varied backgrounds and skill levels

UMPI is a public institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). YourPace is a flexible, subscription-based CBE program designed for adult learners. All courses are fully online and asynchronous. Adjunct faculty are compensated according to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements/MOUs.

How to Apply

Click “Apply Now” below or visit the UMPI Careers Page at http://umpi.careers.maine.edu/.  

You will be required to create an application profile and application. 

In addition, for your application to be considered complete, you must submit (upload):  

• Cover letter (include your experience, interests, and suitability for the position with specific reference to the qualifications outlined above; including an indication of which subject(s) you believe you could teach)
• Curriculum vitae (preferred) or résumé
• Transcript for highest degree earned

Important items to know about the recruitment process: 

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates will be hired as programmatic needs arise. Unless otherwise notified, applications will remain on file until May 30, 2027. If no communication regarding application status has been received by that date, the application will be considered inactive.  
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of references. 
• A background screening will be conducted on candidates who move forward in the selection process. 
• The University is not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

About the University
For more than a century, the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) has empowered learners through personalized, flexible, and career-focused education. Serving approximately 3,000 online and on-campus students, UMPI is committed to access, innovation, and applied learning, preparing students from Maine, the nation, and the world for meaningful careers and positive community impact.

Situated on 150 acres in northern Maine, UMPI is dedicated to being the region’s premier learning institution and a driver of cultural and economic development in Aroostook County and across the state. The university serves as a regional educational and cultural hub, hosting academic programs, lectures, performances, exhibits, and community events.

Learn more about UMPI at https://www.umpi.edu/. 

Applicants interested in learning more about the quality of life and opportunities in Aroostook County are encouraged to explore the region’s offerings here.

Equal Opportunity Statement-The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act- The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you have any questions, contact Safety and Security 111 Campus Center 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 Phone: (207) 768-9580. 

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS and the state of Maine.

Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website.