Part-Time Faculty - Economics, Academic Year 2026

Part-Time Instructors For Introduction To Microeconomics

The University of Southern Maine's Economics Department is seeking applicants for part-time instructors to teach two sections of Introduction to Microeconomics for our 2026 – 2027 Academic Year. These courses are held in person on Monday and Wednesday.

We are seeking a student-focused instructor 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 available for reference.

Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to:

Introduction to Microeconomics (ECO 102):
Economics is a social science that explores human behavior and social systems. Microeconomics studies how people make decisions in response to their incentives, along with the outcomes that result from individuals' choices and the economic forces and institutions that influence them. It provides a framework for understanding how policy can change societal outcomes by altering incentives and therefore the choices that people make.

Students will learn topics such as supply and demand, externalities, market power, consumer choice, firm behavior, inequality, the minimum wage, and other labor market issues. Students will explore a variety of perspectives by examining theoretical concepts, modeling economic relationships, and discussing real-world issues.

Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECO 101):
Economics is a social science that explores human behavior and social systems. Macroeconomics studies some of society's biggest issues by examining how the economy as a whole operates. How can we improve the standard of living in our country and around the world? Why aren't there always enough jobs to employ everyone who is willing and able to work? How can the government implement economic policy to limit unemployment, curtail inflation, and generally improve lives?

These are some of the important questions that this course will address. Students will learn monetary and fiscal policy, international trade and globalization, the business cycle, competing theories of the government's role in the economy, poverty, and inequality. Students will explore a variety of perspectives by examining theoretical concepts, modeling economic relationships, and discussing real-world issues.

The University of Southern Maine's Economics Program provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and policy evaluation. Emphasizing real-world applications, the program prepares graduates for careers in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. With a focus on critical thinking and quantitative skills, students engage in experiential learning opportunities and benefit from close faculty mentorship.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. 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…