What are the responsibilities and job description for the Constitutional Law Instructor position at Coe College?
The Department of Political Science at Coe College invites applicants for a per-course instructor to teach one of the two courses in our Constitutional Law series. This position is an excellent fit for graduate students, early-career individuals, and experienced attorneys who are drawn to teaching-focused liberal arts environments.
Per-Course Instructor of Constitution Law:
The successful candidate will select one course in our Constitutional Law series to teach in Spring 2027 with the opportunity to teach a section of the other course in Spring 2028. The class will be offered 6:30 PM to 9 PM Tuesday nights from January 19 to April 27, 2027.
Course options: There are two courses in the series
- The Constitution and the Roles of Government
This course is an examination of original U.S. court opinions and political writings focusing on the nature and sources of Supreme Court authority; the structure of the US government; judicial review; commerce, taxing, spending, and war powers; with special emphasis upon the separation of powers: the President, Congress, and the Court. It is open to students with junior and senior standing and is an elective for the political science minor and major.
- The Constitution and Individual Liberties
This course examines original court opinions and political writings focusing on the procedural contents of due process, equal protection under the law, post-Civil War amendments, and civil rights legislation, with special emphasis on freedoms of religion and expression. It is open to students with junior and senior status and is an elective for the political science minor and major.
Qualifications:
JD, ABD or terminal degree in Political Science preferred. Experienced attorneys are particularly encouraged to apply.
About Coe College and the Department of Political Science:
Coe College is a small liberal arts institution in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where teaching is our central focus. Our students are curious, engaged, and looking for instructors who will meet them as individuals. Small class sizes make genuine mentorship possible, and our faculty take that seriously.
The Political Science faculty value student-centered teaching; we prioritize enhancing students’ critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Many of our majors enter law school soon after graduation. Therefore our Constitutional Law series of courses are important in our curriculum.
How to apply:
Applications can be submitted at the link below and should include:
- A current curriculum vitae
- Unofficial law school or graduate school transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of the applications will begin on October 9 and will continue until the position is filled.
If you have any questions about the course, the students, or what teaching at Coe is like, please contact Kim Lanegran (klanegra@coe.edu) We welcome informal inquiries before you apply and are happy to tell you more.