Part-time Online Educator in English/Writing: Poetry and Non-Fiction, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Job Description Summary
Eastern Oregon University's Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing is seeking experienced Part-time Online Educators with expertise in poetry and/or nonfiction. Teaching will include online instruction throughout the academic year - primarily in the graduate program, but also potentially at the undergraduate level - and may include in-person instruction during the summer residency at Wallowa Lake in Joseph, Oregon, and in La Grande, Oregon. EOU offers its courses in 10-week terms, with one week of finals.
At Eastern Oregon University, we share a core belief that creative individuals are an under-appreciated and under-used resource. The creative makers among us have much to offer their communities and we commit ourselves therefore to fostering that creativity. It is our belief, too, that finding community-based solutions to the real problems communities face can and should be a collaboration in which the creativity of artists and writers play vital, enduring roles for enriching the lives of all. The Grande Ronde Valley and nearby Wallowa Valley are gateways to Eastern Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and Oregon's largest wilderness, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, all of which provide an exceptional resource for student writers in our Landscape, Ecology, and Community concentration. In collaboration with our program partner, Fishtrap: Writing and the West, and the Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers at Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon, we strive to create a truly one-of-a-kind literary experience for our students.
Appointments for part-time online educators will be made on an as needed basis, and assignments will be term by term. The program has an immediate need for an instructor to teach a course in our Winter Term, 2024, which begins on Monday, January 8.
For a description of our program, see here: https://www.eou.edu/mfa/ and here: https://www.eou.edu/mfa/wilderness-writing-concentration-overview/.
This position is open until filled with first review of applications on 11/06/2023.
Responsibilities
Online educators are responsible for providing a high quality online educational experience in consultation with the program faculty and through supporting the program's learning outcomes. The program values reflective teaching practice in a community of teacher-scholars. We pride ourselves in having developed a rigorous but affirming curriculum, where faculty mentors hone student craft through workshops and craft seminars.
Additional responsibilities include development and regular functional use of an LMS course shell (Canvas) that engages students in learning activities, including such elements as active discussion boards, timely assignment feedback, and keeping upgraded grades for students.
Successful candidates must be committed to ensuring that every student is a full member of the EOU community and that all community members recognize, promote and take advantage of the educational and cultural value of diversity.
Required Qualifications
MFA or PhD in creative writing, OR equivalent professional experience in the literary field.
Experience teaching and/or mentorship in the field is required.
A distinguished publication record that includes at least one book from a national press.
Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) years of teaching experience.
Publications in multiple genres.
Familiarity with EOU's MFA program .
Familiarity with Fishtrap programming, especially its Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers, which MFA students attend each summer as part of their residency requirement.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching in a liberal arts curriculum (e.g. certified in Quality Matters or other professional teacher training activities).
Scholarship appropriate to the course(s) needed.
Open Date: 10/23/2023
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Summary
Applicants must provide:
1) A cover letter that addresses relevant expertise and teaching experience, and why this position is attractive to the applicant,
2) A curriculum vitae including the names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of three professional references,
3) Transcripts (official required for finalists),
4) One-page statement of teaching philosophy.
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/institutional- effectiveness/values-and-principles/.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed. Eastern Oregon University - Oregon's Rural University! - is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Brilliant faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
EOU is a beautiful campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/visitor/.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.*
Quick Link to Posting
https://eou.peopleadmin.com/postings/2885