Part-time Faculty - Educational Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration), Summer and Fall 2025, Spring 2026

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Educational and School Psychology (ESPY) is seeking part-time instructor applicants to teach in our M.S. in Educational Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration) program for the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 terms. The Summer 2025 session begins May 19th, the Fall 2025 semester begins September 2nd, and the Spring 2026 semester begins January 20th.

We are seeking instructors to teach one or more courses within our Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence. These courses are delivered in a synchronous online modality, and each class meets once per week on Zoom from 5-8 PM. The courses we are seeking instructors for include, but are not limited to, the following:

Organizational Behavior Management and Supervision (SPY 640) - This behavior analytic course provides an introduction to organizational behavior management and approaches to supervision. This course focuses on applications of (a) the problem-solving performance management process to improve staff performance and achieve valued organizational goals in educational and human services settings and (b) competency-based models of supervision in the field of applied behavior analysis. Ethical and culturally responsive strategies to promote staff/supervisee skill development and well-being will be emphasized.

Principles and Procedures for Instructional Intervention (SPY 605) - The primary focus of this course is to provide graduate students with exposure to evidence-based systematic instruction methods that are used within school/agency settings. This course will review functional assessment procedures used to identify appropriate educational programs for students/clients. This course will emphasize instruction and practice in implementing empirically supported interventions for promoting academic, social, communication, and life skills. Procedures such as shaping, chaining, discrete trial teaching, task analysis, incidental teaching, functional communication, and direct social skills instruction will be considered.

Behaviorism (SPY 612) - Students will analyze the writings of B.F. Skinner and other pioneers of behaviorism to understand perspectives on radical behaviorism, differentiate it from earlier psychological paradigms, and gain insight into how this philosophical framework influences behavior analysts’ outlook on the world and human behavior. Students will reflect on and respond to early behavior analysts’ contributions to the science of behavior and current applications of applied behavior analysis.

We are seeking a student-focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include preparing for the course, teaching live online class sessions, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with a syllabus template and full course shell with suggested readings, assignments, and presentation materials.

Part-time faculty members are paid by credit hour based on prior teaching experience. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.  

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates diverse perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. USM encourages applications from indivi