Communication Studies Instructor

Salary: $66,812.56 - $89,535.23 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track
Job Number: 2526-00028
Closing: 1/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Rocklin, CA
Division: Instruction Office

Description


Under administrative direction of an educational administrator, to develop curriculum, provide lecture and laboratory instruction, evaluate performance of students engaged in the study of communication and other related courses, and perform other 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


Curriculum Development - ESSENTIAL: Review and evaluate curriculum, in order to meet student interests and needs within the parameters of Divisional/Departmental budget constraints and availability of equipment and materials; coordinate with part-time instructors to enhance consistency of lecture/laboratory content; coordinate with educational administrator to assure transferability of courses within the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems; evaluate and/or revise course descriptions to fit curricular designs; present proposals for curricular changes to the curriculum committee and/or other appropriate shared governance body; make changes to curriculum as necessary and as approved within the shared governance structure. PERIPHERAL: Review curriculum for concordance with changes in laws, regulations, and standards.

Lecture/ Laboratory Preparation - ESSENTIAL: Review and evaluate new textbooks for content, readability, and cost effectiveness; select textbooks determined to be the most useful and appropriate; read current literature (normally several sources: books, newspapers, periodicals, and other printed and electronic materials) to prepare lectures; prepare, edit, and update syllabi materials for lectures and/or laboratories; review, select and/or prepare electronic and multimedia materials for classroom/laboratory use; prepare handouts for classroom/laboratory use; coordinate and confer with book publishing company sales representatives providing instructional materials; complete book order forms and provide master copies of syllabi for printing; place appropriate reference items on reserve in the library; prepare lesson plans to be used in a lecture and/or coordinate lectures with laboratory learning assignments; familiarize self with operation of all equipment and software currently available for use which is appropriate for the subject area; introduce and present lecture/laboratory information and concepts in a clear and logical manner; use analogies and/or examples to convey important communication concepts; employ instructional objectives to direct student learning; outline major points of information in the classroom; enhance presentations with visual aids and/or demonstrations and/or examples, as available; distribute handouts to clarify particularly difficult topics; answer student questions clearly and respectfully, without ridicule, improper criticism, or bias; encourage student participation and involvement in classroom discussions; monitor student activity and take steps to prevent and/or control unacceptable behavior; maintain order in classrooms and laboratories, and provide equal opportunity for student participation. PERIPHERAL: attend conferences to increase knowledge of subject matter and teaching methods and techniques.

Student Performance Evaluation - ESSENTIAL: Develop quizzes, texts and laboratory/classroom examinations which are understandable and which fairly evaluate student progress; monitor student activity during examinations/quizzes and take steps to prevent and/or control unacceptable behavior, e.g., cheating; deal swiftly, rationally, and consistently with persons involved in cheating and/or other unacceptable behavior; read and evaluate student responses on examinations/quizzes and mark and grade papers accordingly; assign, read, and evaluate homework assignments/projects to promote learning; tabulate scores and assign official grades in a timely manner; advise students on academic matters regarding their performance; refer students to appropriate student services (for example, DSPS, ESL, EOPS, etc.)

Shared Governance Participation - ESSENTIAL: Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities; respond in writing in a timely way to requests for information (for example, department/division, college emails, employment process position questionnaires, unit planning guides, environmental impact reports, etc.); participate in articulation/curriculum development, investigation and costing of departmental equipment needs and selection of textbooks; serve on campus-wide committees; attend and participate in divisional and/or building meetings and activities, as well as those organized by the Academic Senate and the Staff Development Committee; serve on employee selection committees as requested; serve as a functional member of one or more committees and/or task forces. PERIPHERAL: attend Board of Trustees and/or Strategic Council meetings as necessary.

Ancillary Student Services - ESSENTIAL: Hold regular office hours; provide advice to students regarding academic performance; provide students and peers with a positive role model in terms of character and citizenship; participate in graduation and outstanding student award ceremonies; provide students with letters of recommendation as requested; hold review sessions of classroom/laboratory material as necessary; advise and encourage students relative to Communication Studies Department curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications
https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6777001&targetURL=.

Examples Of Functions and Tasks


Curriculum Development - ESSENTIAL: Review and evaluate curriculum, in order to meet student interests and needs within the parameters of Divisional/Departmental budget constraints and availability of equipment and materials; coordinate with part-time instructors to enhance consistency of lecture/laboratory content; coordinate with educational administrator to assure transferability of courses within the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems; evaluate and/or revise course descriptions to fit curricular designs; present proposals for curricular changes to the curriculum committee and/or other appropriate shared governance body; make changes to curriculum as necessary and as approved within the shared governance structure. PERIPHERAL: Review curriculum for concordance with changes in laws, regulations, and standards.

Lecture/ Laboratory Preparation - ESSENTIAL: Review and evaluate new textbooks for content, readability, and cost effectiveness; select textbooks determined to be the most useful and appropriate; read current literature (normally several sources: books, newspapers, periodicals, and other printed and electronic materials) to prepare lectures; prepare, edit, and update syllabi materials for lectures and/or laboratories; review, select and/or prepare electronic and multimedia materials for classroom/laboratory use; prepare handouts for classroom/laboratory use; coordinate and confer with book publishing company sales representatives providing instructional materials; complete book order forms and provide master copies of syllabi for printing; place appropriate reference items on reserve in the library; prepare lesson plans to be used in a lecture and/or coordinate lectures with laboratory learning assignments; familiarize self with operation of all equipment and software currently available for use which is appropriate for the subject area; introduce and present lecture/laboratory information and concepts in a clear and logical manner; use analogies and/or examples to convey important communication concepts; employ instructional objectives to direct student learning; outline major points of information in the classroom; enhance presentations with visual aids and/or demonstrations and/or examples, as available; distribute handouts to clarify particularly difficult topics; answer student questions clearly and respectfully, without ridicule, improper criticism, or bias; encourage student participation and involvement in classroom discussions; monitor student activity and take steps to prevent and/or control unacceptable behavior; maintain order in classrooms and laboratories, and provide equal opportunity for student participation. PERIPHERAL: attend conferences to increase knowledge of subject matter and teaching methods and techniques.

Student Performance Evaluation - ESSENTIAL: Develop quizzes, texts and laboratory/classroom examinations which are understandable and which fairly evaluate student progress; monitor student activity during examinations/quizzes and take steps to prevent and/or control unacceptable behavior, e.g., cheating; deal swiftly, rationally, and consistently with persons involved in cheating and/or other unacceptable behavior; read and evaluate student responses on examinations/quizzes and mark and grade papers accordingly; assign, read, and evaluate homework assignments/projects to promote learning; tabulate scores and assign official grades in a timely manner; advise students on academic matters regarding their performance; refer students to appropriate student services (for example, DSPS, ESL, EOPS, etc.)

Shared Governance Participation - ESSENTIAL: Attend and participate in departmental meetings and activities; respond in writing in a timely way to requests for information (for example, department/division, college emails, employment process position questionnaires, unit planning guides, environmental impact reports, etc.); participate in articulation/curriculum development, investigation and costing of departmental equipment needs and selection of textbooks; serve on campus-wide committees; attend and participate in divisional and/or building meetings and activities, as well as those organized by the Academic Senate and the Staff Development Committee; serve on employee selection committees as requested; serve as a functional member of one or more committees and/or task forces. PERIPHERAL: attend Board of Trustees and/or Strategic Council meetings as necessary.

Ancillary Student Services - ESSENTIAL: Hold regular office hours; provide advice to students regarding academic performance; provide students and peers with a positive role model in terms of character and citizenship; participate in graduation and outstanding student award ceremonies; provide students with letters of recommendation as requested; hold review sessions of classroom/laboratory material as necessary; advise and encourage students relative to Communication Studies Department curriculum.

Minimum Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications
CCC Minimum Qualifications Handbook

Master's in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication or organizational communication

OR

Bachelor's in any of the above AND Master's in drama/ theater arts, mass communication or English

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 INFORMATION
Did 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 INFORMATION
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. 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: ESSENTIAL: Communication studies, with a specialization performance, cultural studies, mediated communication and/or media; current directions in teaching practices, methods, and techniques as well as critical theory and research.

Ability to: ESSENTIAL: Lecture in front of large groups of students; explain communication concepts in a clear, logical and concise fashion; interact effectively with students, peers and administrative personnel; work independently to solve problems; recognize variation in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles; maintain integrity, honesty, reliability, and cooperation.

Physical Suitability Requirements: ESSENTIAL: Incumbent must be able to perform the following, with or without reasonable accommodation: Almost Constantly: Stand, sit, walk and turn to deliver lectures, other instruction, or instructional materials; work in the confines of a classroom and/or laboratory environment; reach overhead to operate equipment; lift, push, pull, stoop, squat, bend and carry (up to maximum of 20 lbs.) to move and operate equipment and prepare laboratory materials; utilize manual and finger dexterity to operate equipment, computers, and to prepare laboratory materials; utilize hearing to respond to student questions, normal conversation, and telephone calls; utilize vision (near and far) to read written materials and computer screens and to operate equipment.

Supplemental Information

WHY SIERRA?

• One of Aspen Institute's Top 150 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.

COMPENSATION
Placement 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 DOCUMENTS
There are four (4) required documents to apply for this position:

1. Employment Application
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
3. Applicable transcripts with conferred degree and date (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
4. 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 https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6777001&targetURL=.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
There are four (4) required documents to apply for this position:

1. Employment Application
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
3. Applicable transcripts with conferred degree and date (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
4. 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).

Key Information Regarding Our Hiring Process

Hiring Subject to Board of Trustees Approval
Please note that all new hires require approval from our Board of Trustees during one of their public meetings. Official hire dates will follow this approval. More information about the Board of Trustees and their meetings can be found at https://www.sierracollege.edu/administration/board-of-trustees/.

H1B1 Visa Sponsorship Not Available
At this time, we do not offer H1B1 visa sponsorship for new employees.

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 EMPLOYER
Sierra 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 Voice
English 1-800-735-2929
Spanish 1-800-855-3000

Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO
English 1-800-735-2922
Spanish 1-800-855-3000

From or to Speech-to- Speech
English & Spanish 1-800-854-7784



To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sierracollege/jobs/5162994/communication-studies-instructor






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