Section Instructor (Scholarly Inquiry I/II Courses)

Simmons University is currently looking for a Section Instructor to join our online faculty within the FNP program to teach Scholarly Inquiry I & Scholarly Inquiry II courses. The Section Instructor is the faculty responsible for the success of students taking an online course under their supervision, according to prescribed program objectives and master course syllabi. Each online Section Instructor must be highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for the specific course that they are assigned to teach, maintain expertise in the subject area, and support student success. A Section Instructor is required to work with the faculty course lead throughout their teaching experience.

Section Instructors report to the Course Lead of the assigned Nursing@Simmons course.

About Nursing@Simmons
Nursing@Simmons features a small student-to-faculty ratio with live synchronous instruction providing professor and student interaction through video- conferencing, complemented by high-quality, asynchronous self-paced online content. Included in the program, each student participates in a comprehensive field placement clinical program in or near their own community. Students learn from expert faculty who practice what they teach and gain hands-on experience through clinical placements near their own community. Note: finding clinical placements for students are not part of faculty responsibilities. Courses meet weekly and/or as scheduled. The face-to-face interactions are blended with technology for an enhanced learning environment. This dynamic program is delivered in a state of the art robust and user-friendly learning management system featuring Web 2.0 technology (including interactive classes through webinars, online discussions and online assignments and grading).

Job Summary
The Section Instructor is responsible for the success of students taking the online course under their supervision, in accordance with program objectives and course syllabi. Each Section Instructor should be
highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for the specific course that they are assigned to teach, and maintain expertise in the subject area. The Section Instructor will support student success by all
means that are necessary, appropriate, and available. The Section Instructor will actively monitor and track individual student progress and provide mediation and direction as needed.

All Nursing@Simmons courses are taught from an approved Master Course. Course Leads together with the academic team and the instructional design team will have determined the course syllabus, assignments and the required text(s) for each course. The Master Course is designed in a delivery format
that is student-centered, media-rich and objective-driven. It is geared for reusability and emphasis is placed on consistency of content, scope and rigor, implementation of best practices and outcomes- based learning approaches. The Master Course will be provided to all Section Instructors. Simmons values the disciplinary competency faculty bring to the course and to students through feedback and insight provided. Any course modifications must be discussed with and approved by the appropriate Course Lead prior to implementation.

Section Instructors use their experience and knowledge to help the students meet the master course objectives. Section Instructors have the option to incorporate supplementary materials in their sections such as free online web sources and within weekly announcements. Web based materials and resources can often add richness to a section and are free for the student. It is expected a Section Instructor will spend approximately 8-12 hours a week (depending on course) in this role as follows:

Specific Duties
● Teach material from approved curriculum in accordance with assigned course schedule

● Assume responsibility for the academic supervision and teaching of the online students registered for the term as outlined by the Course Lead
● Actively participate in meetings and activities scheduled by the Course Lead to prepare and Section Instructors on course content and weekly course objectives
● Provide full coverage for all scheduled synchronous sessions/live sessions
● Participate in and lead asynchronous discussions and didactic sessions, as outlined by the Course Lead
● Motivate students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process, including but not limited to threaded class discussions, outside assignments/projects, research, enrichment
activities, etc.
● Maintain and evaluate records of student’s academic and clinical performance within the grading systems of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the University
● Consult with students about their clinical performance at midterm and end of semester, or as needed by phone or video conference
● Maintain all administrative/academic components of the course section, including grading of assignments, exams and appropriate clinical activities
● Maintain communication, both online and virtual/in person if possible and desired, with Course Lead on a regular basis regarding course and student-related performance, problems and
concerns

● Provide regular, accurate, and timely student-specific assistance, feedback and support to students relative to their performance
● Respond in a clear and well-expressed manner to student questions within one to two business days

● Foster and encourage an online culture of learning that values mutual responsibility, life-long
learning, diversity, and ethics as well as personal and professional development
● Host office hours and/or individual student meetings
● May serve as tutor or hold study sessions with students
● May assist in developing standardized exam questions for assigned course(s)

General Qualifications
● Currently practicing;
● Experienced, board certified RN/NP for clinically related courses;
● MSN required, doctoral degree strongly preferred;
● At least 2+ years clinical and nursing education experience required, including use of SPSS;
● Graduate level teaching experience preferred;
● Online teaching exposure/experience preferred;

● Ability to obtain/maintain a Registered Nurse license in MA for clinically related courses

Simmons University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence in education and employment through diversity. The University embraces diversity and defines it to include race, gender, gender identify, national origin, ethnicity, religion, social class, age, sexual orientation, and physical and
learning ability.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.