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First Year Composition Instructor Jobs in Colorado

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First Year Composition Instructor information

What does a first year composition instructor do?

A First Year Composition Instructor teaches introductory college writing courses, typically to freshmen or first-year students. Their primary responsibility is to help students develop foundational writing, critical thinking, and research skills needed for academic success. They design curriculum, provide feedback on essays and assignments, and guide students through various writing processes and genres. Instructors also often support students in understanding academic integrity and citation practices.

What are some common challenges first year composition instructors face when teaching diverse student populations?

First Year Composition Instructors often work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, academic preparedness levels, and language proficiencies. A common challenge is designing assignments and classroom activities that engage all students while addressing varying skill sets. Instructors must also balance providing individualized feedback with managing large class sizes and maintaining consistency in grading. Collaboration with colleagues and utilizing campus writing resources can help instructors support students effectively and foster an inclusive learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year composition instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Composition Instructor, you need expertise in writing pedagogy, English composition, and assessment, usually supported by at least a master’s degree in English or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and digital writing tools is typically expected. Strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and the ability to foster student engagement are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure effective instruction, student development, and a supportive classroom environment that builds foundational writing skills.

What is the difference between First Year Composition Instructor vs Writing Center Tutor?

AspectFirst Year Composition InstructorWriting Center Tutor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's in English or EducationUndergraduate or graduate student; writing skills focus
Work EnvironmentCollege classrooms, lecture halls, online teachingWriting centers, campus labs, one-on-one tutoring sessions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsCampus writing centers, tutoring programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Composition Instructors typically teach college-level writing courses, requiring formal credentials and working in classrooms. Writing Center Tutors focus on providing individual writing assistance, often as part of campus tutoring programs. Both roles involve supporting student writing but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for First Year Composition Instructor jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most First Year Composition Instructor job openings:

First Year Writing/Composition Affiliate Instructor

Denver, CO • On-site

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Department
English
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of English at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty instructors of English (First Year Writing).
For more information about the Department of English in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/english.
Responsibilities
  • Teach one to nine credit hours per semester in the area of First Year Writing.
  • Ability to teach day, evening, weekend, or off-campus classes as needed. Classes may be face to face or online.
  • Candidates must have the ability to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse, urban population.

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, advising, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. Applicants may be asked to teach in-person, online, or in hybrid capacities dependent upon course needs. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or English
  • At least one year of experience teaching college-level composition

Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctorate in Rhetoric and Composition
  • Evidence of coursework and/or research expertise in rhetoric and composition
  • Two years' experience teaching college-level composition

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:
  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
  • A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.