Instructor of Engineering (Aerospace)

DEPARTMENT: Extended Learning

POSITION LOCATION: Durham, NC Campus

POSTING DATE: 6/17/2024

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

POSITION TYPE: Temporary, 10-month, up to 12.5 hours per week, including up to 5.8 hours of live, synchronous teaching via studio or Zoom, Monday through Friday

HOURLY RATE: Commensurate with education and experience

APPOINTMENT PERIOD: 8/22/2024 – 5/15/2025

NCSSM and the Extended Learning Division foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research. NCSSM is proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. NCSSM is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we are strongly committed to increasing faculty and staff diversity. 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. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu

Description of Work:

We are seeking a temporary, part-time instructor with an engineering background to teach an introductory high school course in aerospace engineering through the NCSSM Connect program. This course introduces students to the field of aerospace engineering, engineering design, and the core math and science concepts needed to solve problems related to aerospace and other engineering disciplines. The course is presented with historical context, and topics include spatial reasoning, properties of fluids, descriptions of 3-dimensional motion, the mechanics of flight, and basic aero and thermodynamic principles applied to the design and control of aircraft and spacecraft. Students have opportunities to experiment, calculate,

compute, design, and build as they explore and solve problems associated with the mechanics of flight.

The NCSSM Connect program offers live, synchronous virtual courses taught by NCSSM faculty to students in their local high schools across North Carolina. During class, Connect instructors use group activities and cutting-edge instructional technology to facilitate active participation, project-based learning, and cross-site collaboration with students from around the state. Students can interact with others from the mountains to the coast. Our NCSSM Connect program allows smaller, rural schools to offer AP and honors-level courses that may otherwise be unavailable.

The position reports to the Director of Instructional Leadership and is responsible for providing instruction for an NCSSM Connect distance education ethical technology course via Zoom or other interactive videoconferencing mediums. Using a combination of a pre-developed curriculum, digital assets, and materials developed by the instructor, the instructor will deliver the course live/synchronously to one or more sites in North Carolina. Daily broadcasts will be seventy minutes on Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:10 AM during the fall semester and Monday through Friday from 9:50 AM to 11:00 AM during the spring semester.

General duties include: developing and communicating to students clear course objectives and goals; planning and developing an instructional program that helps students assimilate specific course content and skills; regularly monitoring and evaluating 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; visit each site one or more times during the semester; participate in professional development and personal intellectual growth activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Preferred experience includes teaching in engineering or a related technical field, preferably with secondary students or undergraduates at the freshman/sophomore level, and a commitment to engaging gifted and motivated students in virtual, synchronous instruction.

Experience teaching engineering concepts and familiarity with Engineering Design as a Process and its application to a major primary branch of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical). Additional valuable skills include the capability to read and calibrate laboratory devices for measurement, the ability to code in one or more modern programming languages, and familiarity with engineering technology (circuits, motors, sensors, mechanical devices) and fabrication tools for small-scale prototyping. ethical technology, computer programming, computer science, or related fields, preferably with secondary students or undergraduates at the freshman/sophomore level, and a commitment to engaging gifted and motivated students in virtual, synchronous instruction.

Enthusiasm for student-centered, hands-on lab or field activities and familiarity with educational technology to deliver interactive synchronous remote courses. Preparation for teaching a diverse student population as demonstrated by training or experience.

Specific Duties:

Specific duties include teaching and facilitating instruction for the Honors Aerospace Engineering course on Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:10 AM during the fall semester and Monday through Friday from 9:50 AM to 11:00 AM during the spring semester in the NCSSM Connect program.

Minimum Education and Experience:

A Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or a Master’s degree in Education with a technical Bachelor’s degree.

A minimum of two years of teaching experience is required. Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and statement of teaching your teaching philosophy.