General Education - Psychology/Sociology Adjunct Instructor

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD
Job Type: Part-Time Temporary
Job Number: 2026-16
Department: Academics
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Position Description


Adjunct instructors at Western Dakota Technical College are educators whose instructional efforts are expected to reflect the mission, vision, and goals of the institution. Adjunct faculty teach courses in their respective fields, including the planning, preparation, and delivery of lecture and lab instructional materials at all levels of training.
Western Dakota Technical College is accepting applications for a Psychology/Sociology Adjunct Instructor. If interested, please complete an application, attach your résumé, and submit all transcripts, licenses, and certificates.

Adjuncts are paid based on their educational degree. Pay is as follows:

• BA/BS or lower - $27.35 per workload hour
• MA/MS - $29.76 per workload hour
• Doctorate - $31.92 per workload hour + $125 stipend per credit hour

*All degrees must be awarded by an accredited institution

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties typically require the ability to communicate effectively; remain in a stationary position for extended periods; move about classrooms, labs, and campus environments; use a computer and standard office equipment; and occasionally lift or move instructional materials and supplies. Specific physical requirements may vary depending on course assignment, instructional setting, and modality.

Position Essential Duties

1. Mastery of Subject Matter
   • Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of their field or discipline.
   • Demonstrate the ability to interpret and evaluate the theories of their field or discipline.
   • Connect their subject matter with related fields.
   • Learn to use and apply technology to enhance teaching and the educational experience, when appropriate.
2. Teaching Performance
   • Plan and organize instruction in ways that maximize documented student learning.
   • Employ appropriate teaching and learning strategies to communicate subject matter to students.
   • Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse student needs.
   • Employ available instructional technology, such as the internet, AI, interactive tools, and simulation, when appropriate.
   • Encourage the development of communication skills and higher order thinking skills through appropriate assignments.
   • Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives.
   • Incorporate core competencies into curriculum.
   • Promote student success by building positive interpersonal relationships with staff, students, and colleagues at WDTC.
   • Develop, update and post course syllabi in a timely manner.

1. Evaluation of Student Learning
   • Evaluate student performance fairly and consistently and return student work promptly to promote maximum learning.
   • Participate in program assessment activities as requested.
   • Maintain accurate records of student progress and submit final grade rosters as required after each class according to established deadlines.
   • Demonstrate sensitivity to student needs and circumstances.

1. Support of School's Policies and Procedures
   • Teach classes as assigned and in accordance with the catalog description, the master syllabus, WDTC requirements, and industry needs.
   • Meet with each class as scheduled and hold classes for the time frame as designated in the class schedule.
   • Record and provide attendance data in accordance with the school's policies and procedures.
   • Perform job responsibilities as outlined in the faculty handbook.
   • Adhere to FERPA regulations.
   • Exercise stewardship of the school's facilities and materials.
   • Follow WDTC policies and procedures.
   • Complete Adjunct Orientation and required annual compliance activities.

1. Participation in Western Dakota Tech Program Activities
   • Participate in meetings and events required by WDTC administrators.
   • Respond in a timely fashion to information requests from colleagues and administrators.
   • Contribute to program curriculum development processes and assessment.
   • Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators, both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications


Minimum of a master's degree in Psychology or Sociology, or a master's degree in any discipline with at least 18 graduate credits in Psychology or Sociology, from an accredited college or university in the appropriate field or discipline area of instruction, and a minimum of one year of directly related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in skills related to program operations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrate initiative.
• Knowledge of curriculum design and development fundamentals.
• Knowledge of classroom management fundamentals.
• Knowledge of WDT policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of learning principles and teaching methodologies.
• Knowledge of student assessment methods and techniques used in classroom and lab settings.
• Knowledge of program development, assessment, and the implementation of procedures and practices.
• Ability to advise and instruct students in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with groups of all sizes.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize, manage, and complete long-term projects spanning multiple years.

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This is a non-benefited position. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Western Dakota Technical College recruits' candidates who are authorized to work in the United States or who may qualify for employer-sponsored H-1B status. The College does not provide employment-based permanent residency sponsorship.

EOE/Statement of Non-Discrimination/Annual Security Report
WDTC subscribes to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and their labors and will take action to ensure that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, political affiliation, disability, status as a veteran, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability. Inquiries may be directed to the Director of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. (07.2025)

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT/CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires that the college's Annual Security Report which includes crime statistics be made available to prospective employees and prospective students upon request. Western Dakota Tech's Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported Clery crimes that occurred on campus and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault prevention and response, timely warnings, emergency response, and other matters. You may obtain this information through the Western Dakota Tech website at A printed copy of the report may be obtained by writing to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success, Western Dakota 800 Mickelson Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703 or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - MUST COMPLY WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986