Assistant Professor of Psychology

Salary: $5,856.42 - $8,811.83 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Tenured Track Faculty
Job Number: 00253
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Sch of Education, Hum, SBS
Opening Date: 11/04/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Funding Type: District
Months of Service: 10
Initial Screening Deadline: 02/07/2027
Start Date: August 18, 2027 (Fall Semester)


Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.

SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.

Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description
This position may include a combination of day, evening, weekend, extension site, and online or hybrid assignments.

Southwestern Community College District is seeking a full-time, tenure-track, equity-focused faculty member committed to serving its' culturally diverse student population.

Southwestern Community College District seeks faculty who will foster an inclusive learning environment through equity-minded counseling, teaching, leadership, and service to students working toward goals of university transfer, associate degree and certificate completion, employment advancement, and personal growth.

THE COLLEGE

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is not just a college district; it is a vibrant hub of higher education serving the diverse communities of Chula Vista, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, National City, and Coronado. Our strategic location in south San Diego County places us in a unique position to provide exceptional services to a binational community along the United States-Mexico International Border.

As a proud Hispanic Serving Institution and eligible Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (ANNAPISI), SWCCD places immense value on equity, inclusion, diversity, and culturally responsive classroom instruction and support services. We understand that each employee and student bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to our campus, and we are committed to creating an environment that welcomes and celebrates this diversity.


The College is dedicated to providing quality academic programs, comprehensive student support services that ensure equitable access, and clear pathways to student success. These efforts include professional development opportunities, employee-led affinity groups, proud commitment to DACA students, and supportive employee onboarding practices.

OUR STUDENTS

SWCCD currently enrolls approximately 32,000 students annually. SWCCD is a very diverse college with an ethnicity/race make up of 58% Hispanic students, 19% Caucasian students, 6% Filipino students, 5% African American students, 2% Asian students and 3% multi-ethnicity. Approximately 56% of the college's students are under the age of 24 with 28% ages 25 to 39. Approximately 53% of students receive some form of financial aid, 39% are full-time students and 61% part-time students. The college has approximately 1,500 employees.

OUR VALUES

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, academic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. Successful candidates will be expected to exhibit responsiveness and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, cultural, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, religious, and ethnic and racial backgrounds of community college students and employees, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

1. Critically self-assess their individual impact, through teaching practices and student engagement, on closing equity gaps and holds themselves accountable to upholding and delivering equitable practices.
2. Reframe deficit language and take individual and collective responsibility to look at their own practices as a vehicle to eliminate inequities.
3. Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human differences.
4. Strategically encourage and build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity efforts.

Southwestern Community College District seeks faculty who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Dean of the School of Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences. Maintain professional associations and connections with the professional organizations and the community, participate in curriculum development, effectively collaborate with other faculty, staff, and administrators in planning, developing, and executing college initiatives, participate in the program review process, and serve on college committees to positively make contributions to the college beyond teaching responsibilities

Qualifications
Master's in psychology


OR

Bachelor's in psychology AND Master's in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience or social work


OR

The equivalent
Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to teach across the discipline, with an emphasis in Statistics (PSYC 270) and General Psychology (PSYC C1000).
• Ability to also meet the department's instructional needs in additional courses, such as Human Sexuality, Research Methods, and/or SPSS.
• Ability to contribute to departmental leadership and participate in shared governance activities at the department and college levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work with effectively with students from historically underrepresented populations and a strong commitment to student equity and success.
• Teaching experience in the community college system or an equivalent educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies into teaching, learning, and assessment practices while promoting critical thinking, ethical AI use, academic integrity, and the development of students' uniquely human skills.
• Ability to support and contribute to the department's existing Zero Textbook Cost pathway.
• Demonstrated ability to support and implement college and department initiatives aligned with the California Community Colleges Vision 2030.
• Knowledge and skills to establish programs or partnerships that support transfer, career readiness, and student success outside of the classroom.

Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and respect for a rich and diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Experience working in a community with a similar diversity pattern as is found in the service area for Southwestern College is desirable.
A short teaching demonstration may be required of those invited for an interview.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1. Subject matter preparation:

1. Experience in teaching general lower division Psychology with an emphasis in Statistics, General Psychology, and/or human sexuality.
2. Experience in teaching online courses in Psychology.
3. Work or research experience in the area of Psychology.
4. Obtain Southwestern Community College Distance Education Faculty Training (DEFT) certification, or its equivalent, within four months of hire date.
5. Teaching experience that includes at least two years of post-secondary education; either part-time or full-time.
6. Assume a lead role in the development and implementation of curriculum.
7. Participate in the development of industry and government partnerships, university center development and programs, enhancement of workforce development, work-based-learning, career pathways.
8. In addition to teaching competence in the primary discipline, the successful candidate will also have experience in blending student success strategies, such as goal setting, time-management, problem solving, study methods, and research skills. Candidates who have not had such experience will be expected to gain these competencies during their first year, so that they are able to incorporate these strategies in their own courses.

1. Evidence of ability and effectiveness as a faculty member:

1. Ability to evaluate one's andragogy and its effectiveness in facilitating student learning.
2. Ability to use teaching methods that engage racially, ethnically, academically, and culturally diverse students; promote critical thinking and emphasize cooperation and collaboration.
3. Sensitivity to, and respect for a rich and diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
4. Commitment to collegiality and collaboration by working as a team with faculty and staff enhancing instruction, curriculum, and student success; as well as in the planning of class schedules and teaching rotations.
5. Knowledge and practice of culturally responsive pedagogy and andragogy that supports student-centered, self-reflective, and student-capable approaches which includes a wide range of institutional delivery systems.
6. Ability to teach online courses effectively.
7. Commitment to professional responsibilities and associations outside of the classroom through contributions to the department, division and college activities.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE :
Upon initial employment, full-time faculty members are placed on the salary schedule based upon years of experience and education. Initial salary placement can range from $70,277.00-$105,742.00 per year.


Faculty members are encouraged to continue their professional development through additional study qualifying them for advancement on the salary schedule. For the current salary schedule and information on salary placement visit our website at
Academic employees participate in the State Teachers' Retirement System, a defined-benefit retirement plan through the State of California.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE (Subject to change): Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.

November 4-February 7, 2027

Position advertised; District receives applications

December 21-January 1, 2027

District closed for winter break.

February 7, 2027

Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.

February 15-26, 2027

Reviewing of applications.

March 1-12, 2027

Search Committee interviews candidates.

April, 2027

Top finalist second level interview.

May, 2027

Successful applicant name submitted to Governing Board for approval.

Application Process:

A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.
Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.
A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
For Academic positions (only) : If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.
If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
American with Disabilities (ADA):

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Equal Employment Opportunity:

As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:

SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the


If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):

More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.
Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.

For more information, please visit the webpage.
01


Do you possess at least a master's degree in psychology OR bachelor's degree in psychology AND a master's degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience or social work OR the equivalent?If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.An applicant who does not possess the minimum educational degree or holds a degree that does not match the exact degree title(s) listed under "Minimum Qualifications," may have their educational preparation reviewed to determine if it is equivalent to the breadth and content of coursework typical of the required degree(s). Granting of equivalency is a District decision and may be considered if the applicant submits a Supplemental Equivalency Application by uploading the form with your online application. Applicants may include additional supporting documents to demonstrate their equivalency request.

• Yes, I possess at least a master's degree in psychology.
• Yes, I possess at least a bachelor's degree in psychology AND a master's degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience or social work
• I am applying for equivalency review AND have attached my Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency with supporting document. I understand that if I select this response and neglect to attach the Supplemental Questionnaire for Equivalency my application will NOT be reviewed for equivalency.An applicant who does not possess the minimum educational degree or holds a degree that does not match the exact degree title(s) listed under "Minimum Qualifications," may have their educational preparation reviewed to determine if it is equivalent to the breadth and content of coursework typical of the required degree(s). Granting of equivalency is a District decision and may be considered if the applicant submits a Supplemental Equivalency Application by uploading the form with your online application. Applicants may include additional supporting documents to demonstrate their equivalency request.
• Yes, I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
• No, I do not have any of the mentioned degree and I'm not applying for equivalency.

02


Please describe how your professional experience supports initiatives at Southwestern College and the California Chancellor's Office Vision 2030. In your response, discuss what you will contribute to the district both inside and outside of the classroom that support the mission, vision, and values of the college. Provide specific examples of strategies you have used to promote equitable student outcomes, create an inclusive learning environment, and support the success of students with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and levels of academic preparation.
Required Question