The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Educational and School Psychology (ESPY) is seeking part-time instructor applicants to teach in our low residency specialist-level school psychology program during the 2025-2026 school year. The Fall 2025 semester begins September 2nd. We are seeking instructors to teach one or more courses online, using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Class sessions will meet on weekday evenings (after 4pm) using Zoom videoconferencing. The courses we are seeking instructors for include, but are not limited to the following: Mental Health Interventions in the Practice of School Psychology (SPY 621) – This course emphasizes learning fundamental mental health interventions to help PK-12 students develop resilience and mental wellness. The course focuses on learning skills important for conducting clinical interviews with parents, teachers, school staff, and students through the lens of cultural humility. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic interviewing skills such as attending behavior, active listening, reflection of feeling, paraphrasing, and questioning as well as more advanced techniques such as suicide risk and threat assessments. Students also will have the opportunity to develop skills to deliver individual and group social-emotional and psychoeducational interventions. Appropriate applications of evidenced based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing are explored. The course content is taught within a problem-solving framework that includes problem identification, assessment for intervention, goal development, and progress monitoring. Diversity in the Science and Practice of Psychology (SPY 679) - This course provides conceptual foundations and skills needed by school psychologists to promote effective functioning of individuals, families, and PK-12 school systems with diverse characteristics through an ecological lens. Students will identify individual differences and diverse characteristics that impact student learning and mental health. Emphasis will be placed on learning knowledge and skills related to family systems, including methods to understand family strengths, needs, and culture. Readings and discussion will emphasize the influence of diversity factors as school psychologists collaborate with others to design, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive services. The identification and development of skills to collaborate with families, school staff, interpreters, cultural brokers, and community agencies will be taught through case studies and role-play. Students will reflect on their own personal characteristics, culture, and biases to recognize the importance of equitable practices, respect for diversity, and advocacy for social justice. Ethical and legal considerations for working with students of diverse backgrounds will also be highlighted. Consultation and Collaboration in School Psychology (SPY 680) - This course examines models and strategies of consultation relevant to the practice of school psychology. The course focuses on the conjoint behavioral consultation model, which involves collaboration among families and educational professionals to address the academic, social, and behavioral needs of individual students, and explores additional approaches to behavioral, instructional, and organizational consultation. Emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to (a) consult, collaborate, and communicate effectively with diverse students, families, and educators while designing, implementing, and evaluating consultation services and (b) apply consultation practices to support teachers, families, and schools in promoting students’ learning and mental health. 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 (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-PATFA.pdf) provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation (https://usmdl.org/) 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 (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-PATFA.pdf) 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 (https://usm.maine.edu/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 individuals of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, and those with differing abilities, experiences, and cultural perspectives. We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. Required Qualifications: + Master’s degree or higher in school psychology or related field Preferred Qualifications: + Credentialing and experience in school psychology + Postsecondary teaching experience To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following: + Cover letter describing qualifications for the position + Curriculum vitae or resume + Contact information for three professional references We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled. We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support. Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate. Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email (usmdeanofstudents@maine.edu) or call 207.780.4035. EEO Statement: The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)