Position Detail

Instructor - Writing Program

Hampshire College, an independent, innovative liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium, is accepting applications for the position of instructor in the Writing Program, whose central purpose is to instruct and guide students in their critical thinking and analytical writing skills in academic discourses across the curriculum.

The instructor teaches an expository writing course each semester, meets in conferences with individual students, advises them on their written work, and serves on committees with other faculty, helping to supervise student writing projects. Often working in consultation with faculty across Hampshire’s five schools and with college support staff, including the Center for Academic Support and Advising, the instructor provides assistance with international students, those with learning differences, or particular writing challenges.

The writing instructor also works closely with the James Baldwin Scholars, for whom the Writing Program provides core classes and individual writing instruction to talented students from underserved communities who would benefit from a transition year before they fully embark on college studies. In addition, the instructor participates in outreach, which includes classroom visits, workshops for new faculty on the teaching of writing at Hampshire, student workshops through the offices of New Student Programs and the Multicultural Center, and a semester-long training for undergraduate teaching assistants. 

The Writing Program at Hampshire reflects the College's unique pedagogical approach, one that values self-reflective portfolio-based evaluation rather than standardized test assessment. As such, the instructor is expected to cultivate a culture that views revision and process in writing as foundational tools, to support students in their engagement with primary sources, and to adapt to the changing expectations, conventions, and methods that arise when students are engaged in self-designed interdisciplinary, year-long projects.

An advanced degree, MS, MFA or MA, is required, and a minimum of three years' experience teaching in a similar program is strongly preferred. Qualified candidates must possess outstanding teaching and writing counseling skills, substantive experience as a practicing writer/editor in any form or genre, verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to connect empathically and effectively with students.  The candidate should also have experience working with and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving higher education for underrepresented students.

Hampshire is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community and the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students and staff of various backgrounds is vital. We actively seek applications from individuals from traditionally under-represented groups.

Applicants should submit the following to our website at https://jobs.hampshire.edu/: 1) cover letter; 2) curriculum vita; 3) a brief statement addressing teaching philosophy including student and faculty development; 4) a brief statement addressing demonstrated ability to instruct a diverse student body; and 5) three letters from professional referees.

Hampshire College is an equal opportunity institution, committed to diversity and inclusion in education and employment.