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Humanities Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

... Humanities, English and Social Sciences FLSA Exempt Full Time or Part Time Part Time Fixed Term ... The instructor must remain current in the discipline area and continually explore teaching methods ...

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Humanities Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13K

$64.9K

$121.2K

How much do humanities instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for humanities instructor in Washington, DC is $64,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $86,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Humanities Instructor vs History Teacher?

AspectHumanities InstructorHistory Teacher
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Humanities, Education certificationBachelor's degree in History or Education certification
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, adult education programsHigh schools, secondary schools
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, community collegesSecondary education, public/private schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Humanities Instructors and History Teachers focus on teaching related subjects, Humanities Instructors typically work in higher education settings and cover a broad range of topics like philosophy, literature, and arts. History Teachers usually work in secondary schools, specializing in teaching history courses. The required credentials are similar, but the work environment and student age groups differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Humanities Instructor, you need a solid academic background in humanities disciplines, usually with at least a master’s degree, and experience in curriculum design and pedagogy. Familiarity with digital learning platforms, grading software, and classroom technology is often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for engaging diverse groups of students. These skills enable instructors to foster critical inquiry, support student growth, and adapt to evolving educational environments.

What are some common challenges faced by humanities instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Humanities Instructors often encounter the challenge of engaging students with diverse backgrounds and interests in subjects like literature, history, and philosophy. Balancing curriculum requirements with fostering critical thinking and open discussions can be demanding, especially in larger or mixed-ability classes. To address these challenges, instructors can employ a variety of teaching methods, integrate current events and multimedia resources, and create inclusive classroom environments that encourage participation. Collaboration with colleagues and ongoing professional development also help instructors stay effective and inspired.

What is a humanities instructor?

Humanities Instructors are educators who teach subjects that explore human culture, such as literature, history, philosophy, art, and languages. They help students develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills by examining societal values, traditions, and ideas. Humanities Instructors often work in high schools, colleges, or universities, designing curriculums, delivering lectures, and assessing student understanding. Their work encourages students to understand diverse perspectives and the cultural forces that shape our world.

What are the responsibilities of a humanities instructor?

A humanities instructor is a professor or teacher teaches a course such as anthropology, politics, or philosophy, typically at a college or online. The duties of a humanities instructor are to develop a lesson plan, teach classes, and guide students through the material. Humanities instructors can be part of the faculty full-time or can merely be adjunct professors teaching lessons part-time.

What are popular job titles related to Humanities Instructor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Humanities Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Humanities Instructor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Humanities Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Humanities Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $64,871 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Instructor/Teacher (Humanities)

Goodwill of Greater Washington

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Overview

Instructors hold primary responsibility for the implementation and development of The Excel Center curriculum and the success of its students. Instructors are responsible for continuously improving curriculum and instruction through collaboration as part of the instructional team. Instructors will facilitate learning for students meeting students "where they are" and employing a student-centered approach. Instructors are expected to instruct with passion, creativity, and innovation with a student-centered approach. Instructors will serve as a member of the instructional team focused on excellent, high-quality educational service to all students. The position will meet standards-aligned educational objectives, school-wide goals, and creating intervention plans to meet student outcomes. Instructors will work with Academic Success Instructors and members of the Special Education Team to fully support students and create intervention plans and wrap around support plans. The position will support the school's motto: "Relationships, Relevance, and Rigor" and will be held accountable for behaving in accordance with divisional and organizational RISE values and expectations.

Responsibilities
  • Preparing and delivering daily, effective and engaging lessons to students who reflect a range of different ages and abilities. Strategies may include but are not limited to direct instruction, one-on-one instruction, seminars, self-paced lessons, and online learning environments. The GEC instructional model is an in-person learning model, however, instruction may be delivered through synchronous virtual instruction and/or hybrid instruction. 
  • Grading diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments and giving appropriate feedback. Maintaining records of students' progress and development through accurate and on-time grading and gradebook upkeep. 
  • Applying best practices in adult education, researching new topic areas, maintaining up-to-date subject knowledge, and devising and writing new curriculum materials when needed and/or as assigned by Lead Instructor based on school needs. 
  • Selecting and using a range of different learning resources and equipment, including rich technology integration, to ensure high quality learning. 
  • Preparing students for passage of internal end of course assessments and external examinations (PARCC, ACT, iReady, SRI, etc.). Maintaining accurate student level assessment data and grades in collaboration with the Lead Instructor.  
  • Creating a classroom culture of learning focused on relationships, relevance, and rigor. Employing high quality classroom management in classroom to keep the focus on student learning. Utilizing and collaborating with members of the GEC team to support classroom needs.  
  • Participating in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions aimed at improving student retention, productivity, attendance, credit attainment, school culture, and new student orientation. Understanding student retention is the role of every staff member in the school and is increased through strong communication and excellent service.  
  • Communicating student grades and progress reports effectively, each week, with students and colleagues by maintaining an updated gradebook in PowerSchool. Collaborating with staff to ensure student success and identify intervention plans and/or individualized support plans as needed Providing weekly feedback in collaborative meetings with Academic Success Coaches on student progress.  
  • Using data to drive decisions and take action. Employing a "data focused" mindset around outcomes, interventions, and action steps. 
  • Working with Academic Success Coaches, members of the Special Education Team, and other Leadership staff to support students' progress towards graduation and post-secondary planning. 
  • Attending all team and professional development meetings.  
  • Offering tutoring and other academic supports for students every week. Tutoring takes place on Fridays when students do not have class.  
  • Thinking creatively around ways to engage students in the class and school at large. Approaching student engagement and retention from a lens of innovation.  
  • Approaching each student with a unique lens and from a solution-oriented mindset.  
  • Other duties as assigned.  
  • Qualifications

    Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Humanities (English, Social Studies, Reading or Writing) or related field. 
  • 2 years of teaching experience in an urban setting or 5 terms (1 full year) of long-term substitute teaching at the Goodwill Excel Center. 
  • Possesses the essential mindset that all students can succeed. 
  • Drives to improve the outcomes and lives of students in and out of the classroom. 
  • Exhibits resilience to persevere and create opportunities for students out of challenges and lessons learned. 
  • Strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through. 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze data for informed decision making. 
  • Strong communication skills with ability to communicate direct feedback in a compelling way that empowers Instructors to make immediate improvements. 
  • Ability to work well in a team; ability to bridge and enhance professional learning communities. 
  • Ability to create, monitor, and maintain systems that enhance instructional outcomes. 
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed. 
  • Effective presentation skills accompanied with inspiring stage presence. 
  • Has working knowledge of computer programs to perform clerical tasks: Google Applications, Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer.  
  • Preferred Qualifications 

  • Master's degree in Teaching, Education, or a related field  
  • Certification in respective teaching area as required by the Office of the State Superintendent. 
  • 3-5 years teaching experience in high school English or Social Studies. 
  • Experience teaching in a high-needs community. 
  • Experience with adult learners returning for a high school diploma. 
  • Anticipated Openings for the  2026-2027 School Year

    We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. While positions may become available as needs arise, recruitment for this anticipated role will close on August 11, 2026.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME