What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Instructor of Geography position at Eastern Oregon University?
Eastern Oregon University invites candidates to apply for a part-time instructor in Geography to teach up to two on campus courses per year beginning in fall term 2026, which commences on September 28, 2026. The successful candidate will teach courses in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences serving the General Education curriculum for Geography.
The college seeks a colleague with expertise to teach an undergraduate level Physical Geography course. This course is taught as an introduction to physical geography and its approach to the analysis and understanding of the physical environment. The course covers the atmosphere: weather and climate; the lithosphere: geomorphology, landforms and soils, and the hydrosphere, oceans and oceanic coastal forms. Tectonics and the basic geodesy of the earth is covered. Examples of environmental issues and how geography treats these questions and problems are emphasized in the course. The course is a popular selection for students to fulfill the General Education category of Natural, Mathematical & Informational Sciences (SMI). Additional expertise to teach online courses, as well as offer a class on Cultural Geography, would be valuable to the college though not essential to be considered for the position.
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Effective quality teaching and assessment,
- Ability to work effectively with diverse students, staff, faculty, administration, and public-school personnel, and Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
This will be a part-time, nine-month appointment on EOU’s La Grande campus beginning on September 16, 2026. This and any possible future appointments will be made on an as needed basis. Opportunity to teach additional courses online would be based on expertise, interest, and availability. Course assignments will be term by term. EOU offers courses in 10-week terms, with one week of finals.
This position will remain open until filled with initial application review beginning on August 14, 2026.
Responsibilities
This position will remain open until filled with initial application review beginning on August 14, 2026.
Instructors are responsible for providing a high quality educational experience in consultation with college faculty and through supporting the program’s learning outcomes. The college values reflective teaching practice in a community of teacher-scholars who prioritize equity and access in the classroom.
Additional responsibilities include development of a curriculum and course activities that enhance student engagement and learning, including such elements as active discussion, timely assignment feedback, and keeping upgraded grades for students.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional responsibilities include development of a curriculum and course activities that enhance student engagement and learning, including such elements as active discussion, timely assignment feedback, and keeping upgraded grades for students.
- Bachelor degree in Geography or related field, with additional experience in teaching and learning environments, OR a Master in Geography or related field.
- Commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level is required, which includes such elements as reflective pedagogy, student-centered design, active learning, and connecting concepts in geography to real world applications.
- Commitment to serving underserved student populations, as well as general education students seeking an introduction to Geography.
- Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.
- A Ph.D. in Geography or related field.
- College teaching experience.
- Demonstrated experience teaching courses in physical geography.
- Experience scaffolding academic success and persistence with first generation, under-represented, and/or under-served students.
Applicants should provide:
1) Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant’s professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);
2) Curriculum vitae;
3) Transcripts (official required only for finalists);
4) One-page statement of teaching philosophy.
5) Sample syllabus (Use portfolio 1 to upload document)
6) Submit names and contact information for at least three references in the reference section of the application.
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University.
1) Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant’s professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);
2) Curriculum vitae;
3) Transcripts (official required only for finalists);
4) One-page statement of teaching philosophy.
5) Sample syllabus (Use portfolio 1 to upload document)
6) Submit names and contact information for at least three references in the reference section of the application.
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University – Oregon’s Rural University! – is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Brilliant faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary
Salary will be determined by weighted years of service based upon the faculty union contract and term FTE.