Temporary Instructor of American Studies, Durham Campus

Location Type: On-site

 

Agency
North Carolina School of Science , Math

Division

Job Classification Title
Instructor (NS)

Position Number

Grade
FLATRATE

About Us

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Description of Work
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled (priority consideration to applications submitted prior to July 7, 2026 at 5 PM)

POSITION TYPE: Temporary, Full-Time (2 semester assignment, 40 hours/week), FLSA Exempt

ANTICIPATED APPOINTMENT PERIOD: 8/5/2026 – 06/04/2027

NCSSM and the Humanities Department foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) invites applications for one Instructor of American Studies position at its campus in Durham, North Carolina. This position is a temporary, full-time position with a fall and spring semester assignment, 40 hours/week, FLSA Exempt. The anticipated appointment period is 8/5/2026 – 06/04/2027. This position reports to the Chair of Humanities, NCSSM-Durham.

The NCSSM-Durham Humanities Department offers courses in five World Languages (Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish), American Studies, and a broad range of English and interdisciplinary Humanities courses. Offerings in our Fine Arts program include studio and performance courses in the visual arts, music, and drama. Our program also includes student- and faculty-led seminars and independent studies.

Description of Duties:
Founded in 1980, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a state-supported residential and online high school for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent or interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Since the school’s inception, the humanities and fine arts have been an integral part of an NCSSM education and have played a key role in helping the institution fulfill its mission to cultivate a new generation of informed, empathetic, engaged, and ethical citizens and leaders.

The position reports to the Chair of Humanities, NCSSM-Durham, and is responsible for providing instruction in American Studies I, the first part in a two-course sequence required of all NCSSM juniors. It is the core shared humanities experience for all incoming students-a course in which students not only gain a sense of the chronology of American history, literature, and culture but also dive deeply into selected primary and secondary texts, topics, and issues in American culture. Students earn double credit for this course: a credit in English and a credit in History/Social Science for each semester’s study. All sections of this multi-section course focus on the study of primary sources in their historical and cultural contexts: historical documents, literary texts, and other cultural artifacts that highlight multiple voices and experiences.

The expected teaching assignment for the position is three course sections of American Studies I in Fall 2026 and three course sections of American Studies II in Spring 2027. The new instructor will also participate in sessions 1 and 2 of January-Term. During the fall and spring semesters, the new instructor will collaborate with another American Studies instructor with complementary expertise to develop an integrated syllabus in light of the American Studies program’s shared learning outcomes and course guidelines. Two of the three course sections will be co-taught with this colleague, with a section capacity of 22 students. One of the three sections will be solo-taught, with a section capacity of 14 students. Collaboration with the Chair of Humanities will also be ongoing throughout the year to support the new instructor’s teaching and assessment of students’ learning.

Humanities faculty are responsible for developing and teaching innovative and engaging humanities curricula, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies, in NCSSM’s residential and highly interactive online programs. Faculty should plan on playing an enthusiastic role with colleagues across all campuses of the school in ongoing conversations and collaborations about ideas, goals, pedagogical methods, and authentic assessments in NCSSM’s teaching and learning environment.

Other responsibilities include:
*Develop and communicate to students clear course objectives and goals;
*Plan and develop an instructional program that helps students assimilate specific course content and skills;
*Hold office hours and tutorial sessions as outlined by the Department of Humanities;
*Regularly monitor and evaluate students’ progress, providing them with resources and feedback on their performance;
*Structure and manage an environment conducive to learning;
*Model for students responsibility to self and others;
*Follow the school’s philosophy, policies, and procedures;
*Participate in departmental, faculty, and staff meetings;
*Serve as a January-Term sponsor.

Remote Options: None

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

ANTICIPATED APPOINTMENT PERIOD: 8/5/2026 – 06/04/2027

HIRING SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A wide-ranging knowledge of American history and its cultural and social contexts;
• Commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the humanities, including knowledge of American literature, art, and other disciplines within the humanities;
• Experience and/or interest in co-teaching and a willingness to collaborate with colleagues;
• Experience in individualizing instruction, especially in teaching writing as a tool of thought; and
• A commitment to participating actively in the multi-dimensional life of the NCSSM community.

For a complete and competitive application, we strongly recommend attaching a cover letter, CV, and statement of teaching philosophy to your online application before submission.

Team NCSSM Benefits

NCSSM has been named the #1 Public High School in America for 2025 and 2026. Join our winning team!

Benefits for full-time temporary position:

Free On-campus Parking

Facilities: Library & Gymnasium – other athletic facilities available at no cost to employees. Cafeteria on site.

Health Insurance: Temporary employees who are hired to work 30 hours or more for three (3) months or more, are eligible for enrollment in a High Deductible Health Plan. This incurs a monthly expense to both the employee and NCSSM and each year these rates are subject to change.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

Please complete your application in full. All required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form in its entirety. “See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume” will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Please note: Only one application is accepted per candidate for each specific job posting.

If you have questions, please email careers@ncssm.edu.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master’s degree in history, English, comparative literature, social studies, or a related field in the humanities, with a proven record of effective and inspiring teaching, preferably with advanced high school or undergraduate students.

Successful candidates will have the content knowledge to teach American Studies, the core Humanities experience for all NCSSM juniors, and the willingness to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues to develop and follow shared practices for this multi-section course.

For a complete and competitive application, we strongly recommend attaching a cover letter, CV, and statement of teaching philosophy to your online application before submission.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:
Tracy Lynn Fullgraf

Email:

Careers@NCSSM.EDU