The Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence Program, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges, awarded Odessa College its Aspen Prize Rising Star Award in 2017 and 2019, ranking Odessa College among the top five in the nation for improving and advancing student achievement out of 1100 eligible institutions. 

Odessa College has transformed its culture around how college employees feel toward students, toward each other, toward their jobs and toward their participation in the life and vision of a college whose main goal is to be the best in the nation at improving student outcomes. Employees at Odessa College have truly embraced what it means to be “All In.”

Establishing that shared understanding that student success and year-on-year progress toward improving such success is felt as a personal achievement by every employee.

A Faculty Lead at Odessa College plays a critical role in fostering this culture, and is seen as an individual capable of becoming a national leader in education. The underlying principle for creating an effective, student-centered team – a group whose individual and collective efforts improve student success – is the shared understanding that, in one way or another, every Odessa College employee is accountable for student outcomes.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge for EDUC/PSYC 1300 with a specific specialization with study, research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; factors that impact learning, and application of learning strategies;

Demonstrates willingness and ability to teach various courses, times, locations, and delivery methods, as needed and as reasonably requested by the college; 

Utilizes appropriately challenging coursework to help students realize their full potential as learners; Provides students with written expectations; 

Administers tests which are appropriate to course content, including a comprehensive final exam measuring overall grasp of course objectives; By ways and means of instructing students, affirms the worth and dignity of all persons and the right of all persons to learn; 

Maintains an appropriate learning and assessment climate in the classroom, whether traditional, web, or distance, which encourages the free exchange of ideas while defending academic honesty and objectivity; 

Prepares adequately for class and arrives promptly at class meetings, labs, and any other scheduled instructional activities; 

Delivers material in a clear and understandable manner;

Addresses student concerns, questions, and input, both in class and via posted office hours, timely electronic communication, and other suitable means; 

Teaches online and remote classes, using a variety of instructional technologies; Assists with student recruitment, advising, and persistence activities as well as participates in various departmental and campus-wide committees; 

 Effectively handles routine procedures necessary for the successful, day-to-day operation of the department as delegated by the Dean

Submits required reports and schedules in a timely manner; Maintains effective relationships with professional counterparts throughout the college and the community; 

Directs and Assists Associate Vice President for Instruction-Efficacy with the course schedule build for the department; Ensures compliance with instructional practices and schedules department meetings and maintains minutes; 

Assists with the recruitment, hiring, and training of EDUC/PSYC 1300 faculty; Performs annual faculty evaluations and teaching observations, coordinates meetings with faculty and follow-up on course assignments and engagements; 

Supports faculty with learning outcomes and assessment; Oversees curricular development and updates for EDUC/PSYC 1300;

Works with departments, and Instructional Leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan for continuous improvement; 

 Ensures compliance of all courses and program offerings; Coordinates facility/resource allocation and use for EDUC/PSYC 1300; 

Actively participates in college functions and events and engages in community service; 

Assists with development and management of departmental grants; and Performs other duties as assigned

Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from a regionally accredited institution; college-level teaching experience; coordination experience; Computer literacy; Ability to teach students from a wide spectrum of ages and from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, including high school students enrolled in dual credit classes; Excellent work ethic; and Documented commitment to teaching excellence.