DescriptionSierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. The psychology instructor must demonstrate a profound understanding of and ability and willingness to support individuals from varying backgrounds successfully. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities, various sexual orientations, individuals from historically underrepresented communities, and other groups to ensure the district provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.
Under the administrative direction of an educational administrator, the Psychology Instructor will provide academic instruction to students in various introductory Psychology courses. The instructor will also evaluate students' academic performance in Psychology courses, develop a culturally responsive curriculum, participate in shared governance and other activities supporting the instructional program, and do related work as required.
Need Help With Your Online Account?- Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
- Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .
Examples Of Functions and Tasks- In courses taught online and, in the classroom, present course material in a clear, logical, and student-centered manner. Develop and provide student-centered syllabi for each course. Prepare lesson plans for each class meeting, as appropriate, and coordinate lectures with laboratory (if required) or other interactive assignments, as applicable. Use current and culturally inclusive examples to convey essential concepts; provide instructional objectives to assist student learning; outline, summarize, and emphasize major points; enhance presentations with visual aids, handouts, and demonstrations; answer student questions clearly; and encourage student participation in classroom discussions, group work, projects and/or other activities.
- Develop quizzes, examinations, term papers, homework assignments, projects, and laboratory assignments that fairly evaluate student progress in acquiring knowledge of subject material. Establish fair and equitable testing conditions for examinations and quizzes. Read, evaluate, and grade student responses on tests, quizzes, and projects. Assign, read, and assess student homework assignments and projects. Tabulate scores and assign official grades. Communicate clearly with students in a timely and student-centered fashion regarding their grades and progress in meeting course learning outcomes.
- Provide students with information about student support services (e.g., Extended Opportunity Programs and Services [EOPS],the Learning Skills Center,Tutoring Center, Writing Center, technology help, etc.) and collaborate with Student Services professionals to ensure a successful learning environment for all students.
- Post and hold regular student hours. Provide students with mentorship and serve as a positive role model. Participate in commencement and other student award ceremonies and provide students with letters of recommendation, as warranted. Promote articulation with feeder high schools and with transfer universities as needed. Encourage and assist students with internships and scholarship applications. Invite diverse guest speakers to share their on-the-job experiences and arrange field trips to enhance students' knowledge of job opportunities when appropriate. Participate in special programs related to enhancing instruction (e.g., Career Fairs, Student Services outreach activities, etc.).
- Review and select learning resources for each course, such as textbooks, internet sites, open educational materials, and periodicalsdetermined to be the most useful, appropriate, and equity-minded. Evaluate textbooks for cost and readability. Read material to stay current in the field; read literature (books, newspapers, periodicals, and other print and non-print materials) and attend training (if funding permits) on culturally responsive pedagogy and discipline-specific topics that will contribute to eliminating equity gaps and supporting student learning and progress toward completion. Develop supplemental materials for use in the classroom and/or laboratory.
- Review and evaluate curriculum and student success data in courses taught to meet diverse student interests and needs. Coordinate with full-time and part-time faculty to enhance course consistency; evaluate and/or revise courses to meet changing needs. Present proposals for curriculum changes to the Curriculum Committee and/or other appropriate shared governance bodies.
- Attend and participate in District, division, and department meetings. Attend Board of Trustees and/or Strategic Council meetings, as necessary. Represent the department and/or division by serving on District-wide committees; serve on employee selection committees, as requested; and serve on faculty peer evaluation committees. Read minutes of shared governance bodies, Board of Trustees reports, and other written material to maintain knowledge of District activities; and read and respond to information polls distributed by the Academic Senate and/or other shared governance bodies.
- Participate in professional development seminars, workshops, trainings, and meetings to develop, maintain, and enhance core competencies necessary for effective performance of duties as instructor of Psychology.
- Meet professional responsibilities, including following approved course outlines and division procedures, maintaining accurate records, submitting required materials, meeting scheduled obligations, and responding to timely communications.
Minimum QualificationsCCC Minimum Qualifications Handbook Degrees/Licenses/Certifications: Master's degree in psychology OR bachelor’s degree in psychology AND master’s degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or psychiatric social work OR the equivalent.
Offer and acceptance of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, LiveScan, and tuberculosis examination as required.
Verification of prior employment (teaching or work experience) may be needed to determine minimum qualifications met.
Copies of transcripts MUST be attached to the application (photocopies & unofficial transcripts are accepted).EQUIVALENCY INFORMATIONDid you know that you can also determine if you meet the minimum qualifications by going through an equivalency process? The equivalency process helps determine if coursework taken and/or professional experience meets the minimum education and/or experience requirements.
If claiming equivalency, please attach the Request for Equivalency Hearing form. The equivalency form may be found at:
Sierra College Human Resources .
Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents.
FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT INFORMATIONIndividuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees and other relevant documents. A foreign transcript evaluation is required any time foreign course work is used to meet minimum qualifications and/or salary placement even if the foreign transcript has been accepted by a college or university in the United States.
Companies that provide transcript evaluation services:- World Education Services
- Educational Credential Evaluators
Knowledge of: Scientific psychology, with a specialization in teaching practices, methods, and techniques, as well as current directions in psychological theory and research.
Ability to: Provide interactive lessons in front of large and small groups. Explain Psychology concepts in a logical, sequential, and equity-minded manner. Use a learning management system. Teach online. Provide students with a "hands-on" learning experience in the laboratory and/or interactive learning experiences in the classroom or online. Provide for the needs of students with disabilities. Form and maintain effective working relationships with students, other faculty members, and staff. Work independently and/or collaboratively to solve problems. Apply an equity-minded framework and ensure programs, services, and processes are designed and delivered to meet the varying needs of all constituents. Interact and work effectively with a diverse population utilizing exceptional interpersonal and intercultural skills. Exercise sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff; anddevelop activities and assignments to address diverse learning formats
Physical Suitability Requirements: Incumbent must be able to function indoors in a classroom/laboratory environment, engaged in work of primarily a moderately active nature, and accomplish the following, with or without reasonable accommodation: Utilize visual and auditory information and speech to communicate in person before groups, over the telephone, to hear sound prompts from equipment, to deliver lectures and respond to student questions, and to listen to student presentations; utilize manual and finger dexterity to write and to operate computers and audio/visual and other equipment; lift (from overhead, waist, and floor levels, max. 50 lbs.) and carry (max. 50 lbs.) to move equipment and materials to and from classrooms/laboratories and in and out of storage areas; reach (from low, level, and overhead) to connect computer and audio/visual equipment and turn television monitors on and off; twist and turn head and trunk to deliver lectures and assist students with laboratory activities.
Supplemental InformationWHY SIERRA?- One of Aspen Institute’s Top150 Community Colleges in the nation
- The Accrediting Commission recognized Sierra “for its exemplary practice of providing personnel with opportunities for continued professional development in order to meet its mission.” This includes providing students and employees with a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our students, etc.
- Sierra has a commitment to culturally-responsive strategies and methods, and therefore all newly hired faculty participate in a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate
- State Teachers Retirement System (STRS)
- Competitive benefits package
- 175 day per year contract
- Qualifying Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (in most cases)
Sierra College is a Community College located near Sacramento, California where a heavy emphasis is placed on academic excellence and student success. Since its founding in 1936, Sierra College has focused on quality instruction and meeting the evolving needs of the students and communities that it serves. The Sierra Community College District covers more than 3,200 square miles and serves the Northern California foothill counties of Placer and Nevada, as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento. We serve over 17,000 students throughout the region in both on-ground and online courses, including students at our main Rocklin Campus as well as at two centers located in Grass Valley and Tahoe/Truckee. Our District prides itself on academic excellence.
Sierra College has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students and values the rich, diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. A strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds. This includes persons with disabilities, various gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented communities and other groups. Our District is committed to providing strategies for success and proactive student-centered practices and policies focused on eliminating equity gaps to ensure the District provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all.
As an institution, Sierra College is committed to eliminating the equity gap in all student populations with dynamic, learner-centered practices and policies that fully engage the college community. The ideal candidate will share the College’s commitment to helping its racially and socioeconomically diverse students succeed in their degree and career objectives. Currently, Sierra College enrolls 17,800 students per term, where approximately: 23% of Sierra College’s students are Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), 3% are African-American/Black, 2% are Filipino, 6% are Asian, 1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native, 8% are Multiethnic and 55% are White.
The successful candidate will join a College dedicated to the use of culturally responsive teaching strategies and methods that meet the varying needs of our students and ensure a successful learning environment. Sierra College demonstrates its commitment to equity by supporting ongoing professional development for students, faculty, and staff. These opportunities include trainings and workshops on equity and inclusion, a Faculty Equity and Inclusion Certificate series, active Academic Senate standing committees concerned with student success and equity, a Presidential Equity Advisory Committee (PEAC), culturally responsive student engagement centers, support for our undocumented and AB540 students, campus-wide equity summits, a robust set of programs, events, and conferences related to equity-mindedness and supporting the success of our diverse students.
COMPENSATIONPlacement on the District’s Faculty Salary Schedule is dependent upon years of experience and level of education. Entry-level is from $66,812.56 to $89,535.23 at the time of employment. The current highest salary attainable after employment is $119,985.75. The District offers a very competitive benefits package, which includes health and welfare as well as income protection. Employees also will be members of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Sick leave, sabbatical, and other leaves are available according to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Need Help With Your Online Account?- Use the online Help Guide or contact the NEOED Applicants Support Line at 855-524-5627 if you need assistance with your online applicant account.
- Applicant Support is available between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@sierracollege.edu .
REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTSThere are four (4) required documents to apply for this position:
Employment ApplicationResume or Curriculum VitaeApplicable transcripts with conferred degree and date (unofficial transcripts are accepted) Please respond to the prompt below for your Teaching Philosophy Statement. You will need to write this statement on a separate document and upload the attachment at the end of the application.
- What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting historically underrepresented and underserved students? Specifically, what are the key factors that contribute to their success and the closing of equity gaps in the classroom, particularly for African-American, Latin(o)(a)(x)(e), and Native American students with intersecting identities, such as LGBTQIA+, visible and invisible disabilities, and any other disproportionately impacted populations?
- What role should faculty play in student success?
- Describe how your teaching approach has changed/evolved since you began teaching. Provide examples of what motivated the change(s).
- How does your teaching approach reflect your teaching philosophy in ensuring equitable student success?
Helpful Tip:Please note that as described above a strong candidate for this position must demonstrate a profound understanding of and experience with successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds; and therefore, hiring committees assess candidates for these knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Applicants may want to consider incorporating culturally-inclusive/equity-minded strategies practiced and/or evidence of the responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, and cultural diversity of community college student populations throughout their application materials (including application and documents uploaded, if any).
Please see the Sierra College website for additional helpful tips and tools for prospective applicants .
Travel expenses may be partially reimbursed for candidates traveling beyond a 150 mile radius for second round interviews. All other travel expenses will be borne by the candidate(if in person interviews). Terms and Conditions of Employment:Other terms and conditions of employment are specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreements on file in the District Human Resources Department. Position description of record on file in the Human Resources Department.
*Sierra Community College District currently operates campuses in Rocklin, Truckee and Grass Valley. In its management of a multi-campus environment, the District reserves right of assignment including the right to change assignment locations and shift assignments based on District need. Although this position may currently reside at the Rocklin campus, the assignment location may be subject to change as needed. Additionally, the district reserves the right to cancel, revise or re-announce this position as well as any and all positions at any time.
EEO / TITLE IX EMPLOYERSierra College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and the achievement of diversity and equity among its faculty, staff, and students.Persons with inquiries about the application of Title IX and/or EEO may contact the Director of Diversity, EEO & Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at the address below, at (916) 660-7006 or via email at EEOT9@sierracollege.edu .
Persons with questions regarding reasonable accommodation of physical and other disabilities should contact the Sierra College Human Resources Department at (916) 660-7105.
If you have limitations hearing or speaking, the State of California offers a specially-trained Communications Assistant (CA) that can relay telephone conversations for all of your calls. Dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). Dialing 711 is for everyone, not just those who have difficulty hearing on a standard phone. If you prefer having your calls immediately answered in your mode of communication, dial one of the toll-free modality and language-specific numbers below. The call will be routed to the CRS provider.
TTY/VCO/HCO to VoiceEnglish1-800-735-2929
Spanish1-800-855-3000
Voice to TTY/VCO/HCOEnglish1-800-735-2922
Spanish1-800-855-3000
From or to Speech-to- SpeechEnglish & Spanish 1-800-854-7784
Sierra Community College offers benefit packages to full-time employees including: family coverage health, dental and vision insurance, Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) OR State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) retirement, income protection, life insurance, sick leave, vacation, and holidays as provided according to District policy.
Closing Date/Time: 1/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific