Non-Credit Paralegal Certificate Program Instructor - Tort Law

Noncredit Paralegal Certificate Program Instructor - Tort Law

Department: Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS)
Reports To: Program Coordinator / Program Manager
Position Type: Contract (Two-Cohort Commitment: 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 Cohorts)
Location: Wilmington, DE 

The University of Delaware, Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) is seeking a qualified and experienced instructor to teach the Tort Law module of its Paralegal Certificate Program.

This position requires a commitment to teach both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 cohorts of the Paralegal Certificate Program. Following the successful completion of this initial two-cohort commitment, instructors may be considered for annual contract renewal based on program needs, instructor performance, and enrollment demand.

1. 2026–2027 Cohort: A 6-week hybrid module (Mondays online via Zoom, Wednesdays in-person at Arsht Hall in Wilmington).
2. 2027–2028 Cohort: A 6-week fully live-online module via Zoom.

This position requires a strong commitment to delivering high-quality adult education, adhering to UD PCS student service standards, and upholding professional and ethical conduct.

Why Teach with UD PCS

The Paralegal Certificate Program has been serving adult learners seeking career advancement and entry into the legal profession for the past 50 + years. Instructors join a collaborative instructional team and receive support from program management and instructional design staff. This role offers an opportunity to share professional expertise, mentor future legal professionals, and contribute to one of the region's leading continuing education programs.

Responsibilities

1. Course Delivery & Preparation
● Instruction: Serve as the instructor for the Tort Law module for both the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 cohorts, delivering 39 total instructional hours per cohort.
● Course Logistics: Conduct all scheduled class sessions on time and for the full instructional period. Maintain accurate attendance records for each session and ensure that Zoom recordings are uploaded and made available in Canvas within 24 hours of the class meeting.
● Syllabus & LMS Management: Update the Google Doc syllabus at least 2 weeks prior to the start of class. Review and update the Canvas course shell (removing old/unused resources) so it is ready to publish at least 1 week before class begins.
● Instructional Design & Accessibility: Collaborate with an Instructional Design (ID) team member to ensure uniformity in Canvas style. Ensure all course materials meet required accessibility standards. (Optional: Developing asynchronous content with the ID team
may be available at the instructor's discretion).
● Student Communication: Send a welcome email and Canvas notification with the syllabus and first-day expectations to enrolled students 1 week before the first class (cc'ing the Program Coordinator).

2. Student Support & Service Standards
● Email Responsiveness: Beginning 2 weeks before the module start date, monitor your UD email regularly and respond to student and staff inquiries within one business day whenever possible and no later than two business days.
● Office Hours: Host one 1-hour drop-in office hours session the week before the midterm exam, and another 1-hour session the week before the final exam.
● Grading: Return graded assignments within 1 week of submission. Report final module grades to PCS within 5 business days of the final class.

3. Professional Training & Administrative Compliance
● Complete the Getting Started with Online Teaching short course in Canvas and submit the certificate to the Program Coordinator. Complete additional mandatory training from the Center for Innovation in Lifelong Learning and Teaching (CILLT) when it becomes available.
● Notify the Program Coordinator and students immediately if you are running late or
unable to attend a scheduled class.
● Obtain necessary copyright permissions for all course materials and disclose any proprietary interests or external compensation related to presentation materials prior to the course.

4. Program Events & Attendance
● Attend Spring and Fall Info Sessions (unless absence is pre-approved).
● Attend the 2027 Fall Paralegal cohort virtual kick-off ceremony on Wednesday, September 8, 2027 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM).
● Instructors are encouraged to attend the cohort graduation ceremony (traditionally scheduled near mid-August).

Teaching Schedules
Cohort 1: 2026–2027 (Hybrid Format)
● Mondays: Live-Online via Zoom (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
● Wednesdays: In-person at Arsht Hall, Wilmington, DE (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Qualifications
● Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
● Licensure: Active bar admission in good standing preferred.
● Experience: Demonstrated professional experience and subject matter expertise in Tort Law. Experience teaching paralegal, legal studies, or related coursework, as well as facilitating learning in adult education or workforce development environments, is highly preferred.
● Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency with virtual meeting and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom). Ability to quickly learn and utilize technology platforms, including the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
● Core Competencies: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Code of Conduct, Ethics, & Legal Compliance
● Professional Standards: Represent UD PCS by holding yourself to the highest professional and ethical standards.
● Non-Discrimination & Title IX: Commit to a learning environment free from discrimination based on gender, age, socioeconomic or ethnic background, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Responsible Employee of the University of Delaware, instructors are expected to comply with all mandatory reporting requirements related to Title IX and sexual misconduct. Report any potential signs of sexual misconduct to UD PCS immediately.
● Intellectual Property: Program curriculum remains the property of the University of Delaware. Instructors may use approved supplemental materials they own or have permission to use. Questions regarding ownership of course materials should be directed to UD PCS.

● FERPA: Maintain strict compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations regarding student privacy.

● Right of First Refusal: UD PCS reserves the right of first consideration for educational or training opportunities that are directly related to the Paralegal Certificate Program and arise through program participation.

Compensation & Contract Terms
● Base Pay: $4,290 for a class enrollment up to and including 20 students.
● Enrollment Incentive: An additional $110 per student for students 21 through 26 enrolled at the start of the module. Class size is strictly capped at 26 students.
● Pay Schedule: Compensation is paid semi-monthly (15th and 30th/31st of each month) in
accordance with University of Delaware payroll procedures.
● Contingency Note: Course offerings are contingent upon meeting minimum enrollment requirements established by UD PCS. If enrollment thresholds are not met, the course maybe canceled and no compensation will be issued.