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Adjunct Instructor, Physical Geography (Weather and Climate, Landforms)

Joliet Junior College · Joliet, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Which parts of physical geography, like weather and climate or landforms, are you strongest in, and why?

What they are checking: Whether their background covers the topics the course needs.

Many students take this course to fill a science requirement. How do you keep them engaged?

What they are checking: Whether they can make a required course interesting to non-majors.

Tell me about a time you made a complex topic simple for someone.

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience explaining science to beginners.

What would you do

A student challenges the science on climate change during class. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can respond with evidence and respect while keeping the class focused on science.

A student is struggling with the math in climate data. How do you help?

What they are checking: Whether they support students with weaker math skills without lowering the standard.

As an adjunct, how would you keep your section aligned with the department's outcomes?

What they are checking: Whether they follow shared course standards that matter for transfer.

About the work

How would you explain why the Midwest has the weather it does to students who have never taken a science course?

What they are checking: Whether they can make weather and climate concepts clear and local.

How would you use labs, maps or real data in a physical geography course?

What they are checking: Whether they give students hands-on practice reading maps and data rather than just lecturing.

How would you teach the glacial history that shaped northern Illinois' landforms?

What they are checking: Whether they can tie landform concepts to the landscape students live in.

How do you design an exam that tests understanding of processes, not just definitions?

What they are checking: Whether their assessments check how well students can explain why things happen.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Joliet Junior College.

Position Title: Adjunct Instructor, Physical Geography (Weather and Climate, Landforms) Job Description: POSITION TITLE: Adjunct Instructor, Physical Geography (Weather and Climate, Landforms) STATUS: Part time DEPARTMENT: Natural Science/Physical Education DIVISION: Academic Affairs CLASSIFICATION: Exempt UNION: Adjunct Faculty REPORTS TO: Department Chair PLACEMENT: Faculty HIRING RANGE: Hiring Rate Per Contact Hour: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027: $1161.00 if candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and $1220.00 if candidate holds a Ph.D., Ed.D, or J.D. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its faculty. POSITION SUMMARY An adjunct community college instructor is an instructor hired for one semester to teach one or more courses for which he/she is qualified to teach. The adjunct instructor reports to the appropriate Instructional Coordinator and/or Department Chair; provides quality instruction for the assigned courses. The instructor works with full-time faculty in assessing students and following all course guidelines. Willingness to teach at other campus sites is required. Adjunct instructors may submit preferences for locations and loads. Position is subject to all terms and provisions of the Joliet Junior College adjunct faculty contract. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Teach classes in appropriate instructional area. 2. Participate in annual student and chair/coordinator evaluations. 3. Comply with departmental curriculum, grading standards, attendance policies, textbook choices, and assessments, and other established processes. 4. Attend classes regularly; return college reports, credentials, and other requested documentation in a timely manner; effectively communicate with appropriate staff and chair. 5. Comply with all legal and ethical obligations, including FERPA, ADA, and other regulatory legislations. Communicate discrepancies to appropriate officials. 6. Commit to furthering the mission, goals, and core values of the college at all times. 7. Meet other contractual obligations as spelled out in the Joliet Junior College adjunct faculty contract. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Master's Degree in Geography, or closely related field with at least 18 graduate level credit hours within the area of Physical Geography, Meteorology. 2. Expertise in appropriate technologies for instruction. 3. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning. 4. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college. 5. Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation and quality. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Teaching experience at the collegiate level. 2. Experience at the community college level. 3. Experience with traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds. 4. Experience in teaching online and/or using course management programs. 5. Experience in course development and assessment, planning, quality and accreditation processes, and committee service. 6. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency. 7. Demonstrated multicultural competence PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Standard classroom equipment and software. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Classroom teaching environment. BENEFITS Click on the link for information about JJC's Benefits: Part Time - Adjunct Faculty-JUAC, IEA-NEA Full Time/Part Time: Part time Union (If Applicable): Scheduled Hours: 15

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