Job description

Highland Community College, located in the scenic northwest corner of Illinois, is seeking an English Instructor for a full-time, tenure-track position for the Fall 2026 semester. This role involves instruction and facilitation of student learning, contributing to the academic mission of the college, and fostering student success. We are looking for an exceptional instructor and colleague who can help us provide inclusive, engaging, and innovative learning environments for our students. We seek candidates who bring new perspectives and experiences to enrich our educational community

Key Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of English courses (day, evening, online, hybrid, or hyflex) to a diverse student population.
• Develop, revise, and update course curricula, syllabi, and assessments to align with department goals and student learning outcomes; and collaborate effectively with department colleagues on course development and revision
• Create an effective learning environment that fosters students’ intellectual curiosity and helps students to problem-solve using discipline-specific thinking strategies.
• Integrate comprehensive teaching methods to cultivate a classroom atmosphere that accommodates various backgrounds.
• Demonstrate excellence in teaching and a commitment to integrating new technologies in the learning process.
• Provide regular and useful feedback to students in an objective, consistent, and timely manner; evaluate and document student performance using established methods and criteria; and record course grades promptly.
• Maintain regular office hours to assist students; provide timely and substantive feedback on student work; and support student success initiatives.
• Model respect for all students and convey confidence in every student’s ability to learn.
• Actively participate in division and college-wide meetings; engage in district committees and program reviews; and play an active role in shared governance.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of innovations and current trends pertaining to pedagogy, composition and rhetoric, literature, and technology; and continuously reflect on and refine your craft.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, Composition & Rhetoric, Literature or a closely related field required; preference given to candidates with 18+ credit hours in additional related disciplines (e.g. Philosophy, Media Studies, Communication, Spanish, Humanities, etc.).
• Experience teaching developmental English, co-requisite courses, or English Language Learners (ELL).
• Excellent verbal and written skills required with the ability to communicate persuasively with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience with designing and/or participating in composition course assessments as part of ongoing college accreditation process preferred.
• Experience with online teaching and/or hybrid course design.

Why Join Highland Community College?

• Work in a collaborative and student-centered academic environment.
• Play a meaningful role in helping students achieve their educational and career goals.
• Become a valued member of a campus community that is committed to shaping the future of our communities by providing quality education and learning opportunities.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $59,301 – $126,786
• Comprehensive benefits package. Details are available at www.highland.edu/employment.

How to apply

Interested applicants should apply online at www.highland.edu/employment. Applications are not complete until the following materials are submitted:

• Online application
• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• Contact information for three professional references
• Three current professional letters of recommendation
• A statement of inclusive teaching philosophy.

For alternative application methods or questions, contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Highland Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other diverse groups are strongly encouraged.