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 / Hybrid

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)

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