The University of Southern Maine’s Department of English invites applications for Part-Time Faculty position in College Writing (ENG 100) and Academic Writing (ENG 102). The fall semester runs from August 31 – December 11, 2026. Classes are offered at various times between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:30 pm on either the Portland or Gorham campus. While some sections may be taught online, please note that we cannot guarantee an instructor’s preference for an online modality.
We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus for reference. Individuals hired will be responsible for teaching at least one (and as many as three) 3-credit course College Writing (ENG 100) and/or Academic Writing (ENG 102) courses.
College Writing (ENG 100) - Throughout the course, students learn several fundamental ideas about writing: that writing is a process; that writing always involves reading; that writing is situational and involves specific rhetorical elements (purpose, audience, text, genre, style, mode); that writing is recursive and therefore always in-process; and that writing requires metacognitive thinking. ENG 100 students engage in a series of essay assignments that reflect points of view, engage with readings, and focus on a central thesis or project. Through these writing practices, students develop a metalanguage to articulate their writing and rhetorical choices and to demonstrate an understanding of sentence structure and syntax as central to meaning. By the end of the course, students should be able to assess a writing situation and then successfully write for that situation.
Academic Writing (ENG 102) - Building on the fundamentals learned in ENG 100 (the writing process, revision, and critical reading), ENG 102 focuses on argumentative and research-based writing. Students learn that academic work is a process of inquiry by engaging in academic modes of reading and writing (analysis, synthesis, critique, and argument) to address questions about critical issues. Students engage in independent research, learning how to make connections between sources and how to add to those connections by articulating their own perspectives and positions. Students develop a comprehensive information literacy that they can apply throughout their college career.
The USM Department of English is a dynamic and intellectually engaging academic community that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep appreciation for literature, writing, and cultural studies. Offering a range of undergraduate courses and pathways in literature, creative writing, and professional and technical writing, the department empowers students to explore diverse voices and historical perspectives while developing strong analytical and communication skills. Faculty in the department are dedicated teacher-scholars who support students through personalized instruction, innovative coursework, and opportunities for research, publication, and experiential learning. Through its commitment to inclusive and interdisciplinary learning, the English Department prepares graduates for a variety of careers and advanced study, while enriching the broader cultural and intellectual life of the university and surrounding community.
Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA Contract Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University
The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
Required Qualifications:
How to Apply:
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
We will begin reviewing applications immediately.
This position will remain open until filled.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
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
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. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. In the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through world-class research and development.
Established in 1968, UMS unites the state’s distinctive public universities including the R1 University of Maine and its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.
The System serves more than 30,000 students annually and its tripartite education, research and service mission is made possible by the efforts of some 5,000 faculty and staff. Despite demographic declines in the state and region, over the last five years the System has increased the number of high school students annually earning free university credit by 32%, rapidly expanded high-quality online education, grown graduate enrollment by 22%, and launched innovative adult degree completion initiatives to advance economic mobility and meet state workforce needs. Maine’s public universities continue to be a national leader in advancing college affordability and access and reducing student debt. Listed in-state tuition and fees at UMaine are the lowest of any New England flagship and Pell-eligible Maine students can attend four of the System’s small universities without paying out-of-pocket for tuition and fees.
