Position Title: Adjunct Faculty, Paralegal Studies/Legal Interpreter
Classification: Faculty
FTE: Varies, course assignment dependent
Schedule: Varies, course assignment dependent
FLSA Status: Overtime Exempt
Teaching Modality: Synchronous Online
Job Summary
The Adjunct Faculty, Paralegal Studies/Legal Interpreter will teach within the Business, Education, and Law department's paralegal studies program beginning Winter quarter 2027. Primary teaching will be our new legal interpreter course. Based on experience, there could be additional teaching opportunities that may include legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts, and related paralegal studies coursework across in-person, hybrid, and/or online modalities.
Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship
- This Adjunct Faculty position reports to the Dean for Associate Dean for Business, Education, and Law.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions
- Develop, prepare, and deliver high quality, evidence-based education and promote the development of qualified students to help prepare them for the future.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with faculty and administrators to support program development and continuous improvement.
- Apply current subject matter expertise and remain up to date in the field to ensure relevant, workforce aligned curriculum.
- Uses student centered, inclusive, and innovative teaching practices to support diverse learners.
- May teach in-person, hybrid, and/or online courses.
- Assess student learning and provide feedback, contributing to a positive learning environment.
- Maintain office hours at times and places convenient for students and respond to student emails and requests in a timely manner.
- Performs other related work of a similar nature and level.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of the discipline, including current research, trends, and developments in the field.
- Knowledge of pedagogical theories, instructional design, and relevant accreditation standards and higher education regulations.
- Skill in effective teaching, classroom facilitation, and classroom management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues in team-based, committee, or interdisciplinary settings.
- Ability to engage, motivate, and support diverse student populations through adaptable and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Ability to assess student performance fairly, provide constructive feedback, and manage sensitive or complex student situations with professionalism.
- The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is completed primarily in the classroom environment. Position will sometimes perform standard office tasks and operate standard office equipment. Position may be required to traverse or travel across campus to other on-campus buildings for any applicable meetings or needs.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current certification or registration as a court interpreter by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
- Substantial professional experience interpreting in legal or courtroom settings.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- Commitment to professional ethics and language access in the justice system.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience teaching, mentoring, or training interpreters in academic or professional settings.
- Familiarity with Canvas or similar Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Experience interpreting in rural, tribal, or multilingual court environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity in legal systems and language justice for underrepresented communities.
Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements:
- Current certification or registration as a court interpreter by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
- Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review.
- Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions may be required.
Salary:
- $6,443.00 to teach Paralegal Studies 250 winter quarter 2027.
Benefits:
- Accrues a percentage of 7 hours (equal to the percentage of workload) per month of sick leave (ex. 50% quarterly employment contract x 7 hrs for full-time = 3.5 hrs per month for that quarter.)
Start Date:
- Winter quarter 2027. Quarter begins Wednesday January 6th, 2027.
Application Due Date:
- For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received as soon as possible. Position open until filled.
How To Apply
A completed application consists of an online application and:
- Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
- Diversity statement that responds to the following question (1 page max).
*Whatcom Community College has a strategic plan core theme to advance equity. Describe ways in which you have actively engaged and demonstrated a commitment to promoting the success of diverse students or employees.
- Current resume.
- Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date.
- List of five recent professional references with contact information.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $2,148.00 per month
Ability to Relocate:
- Bellingham, WA 98226: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
