Part-Time Faculty - Exercise, Health, and Sport Science, Spring 2026

The Department of Exercise, Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Southern Maine is seeking part-time instructor applicants for the Spring 2026 semester, beginning January 20, 2026.

Courses to be taught:

Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation (REC 383) - Exploration of the processes and techniques used in Therapeutic Recreation practice. A focus on evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence will facilitate the learning of various recreation and leisure activities, modalities, and interventions. Therapeutic Recreation processes, approaches, leadership roles and tasks, communication skills, and therapeutic relationships will be addressed. 

Professional Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation Practice (REC 494) - This course will prepare students for an extended internship experience. Students will complete all tasks necessary to secure an internship placement. Serious study and discussion of topics such as professional conduct, ethics, safety, and risk management will be required.

Internship (REC 495) - Students are required to work a minimum of 560 hours in an agency that provides therapeutic recreation services. During this period students will apply the knowledge, methods, and leadership techniques that they have learned in academic courses. Students will be directly supervised by qualified agency personnel and indirectly supervised by faculty.

Management and Professional Development in Therapeutic Recreation (REC 498) - An overview of management roles in therapeutic recreation settings with major focus on comprehensive program development, supervision of professional and volunteer personnel, policy and strategy development, and quality assurance. Each student is required to develop a comprehensive program and policy manual. Students will apply the information learned during internships to course assignments and discussions. 

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus for reference. 

The Department of Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences (EHSS) offers innovative programs that give students the opportunity to gain clinical experience while using the most advanced equipment available. EHSS offers accredited, professional programs that provide a quality learning environment through content-rich curricula, student-faculty interactions, and active learning experiences to emphasize the application of knowledge.    

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis 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 varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from