McNair Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Instructor – Spring 2026
Description
The Suffolk University McNair Scholars Program invites applications for a Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing for Spring 2026. This position is designed to strengthen scholars’ academic skills for success in graduate-level study. In accordance with 34 CFR § 647.30(a), this time-limited role constitutes “activities of an academic or scholarly nature … which have as their purpose the encouragement and preparation of project participants for doctoral studies.” The McNair Scholars program supports first-generation and income-eligible college students who have demonstrated a commitment to preparing for and pursuing research doctorates.
Appointment: February – March/April 2026 (8 weeks)
Schedule: ~2-hour, in-person, class session per week; evenings, class time to be determined in conjunction with McNair program director; no classes week of March 9th due to Spring Break
Type: Time-limited, seasonal instructor
Pay: $3,000, flat-rate, per course, paid bi-weekly in accordance with the University pay schedule
This position is grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s McNair Scholars Program Award # P217A220037 at Suffolk University
Responsibilities
The Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing instructor will lead an eight-week, in-person, academic class series that strengthens advanced reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and written argumentation for graduate study. Core Topics may include:
- Reading comprehension and evidence-based analysis of complex texts
- Vocabulary in context and verbal inference
- Logical reasoning and argument evaluation
- Analytical writing: structure, argumentation, and clarity
The Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Instructor will be expected to:
- Design and facilitate weekly two-hour classes emphasizing conceptual understanding and applied reasoning.
- Integrate analytical exercises that mirror graduate-level expectations without functioning as commercial test-preparation instruction.
- Connect quantitative reasoning to research design, data analysis, and doctoral-level inquiry.
- Provide brief formative assessments and individualized feedback to track progress.
- Offer limited individual or small-group tutoring sessions, by appointment, to reinforce class material and address specific learning needs.
- Coordinate with McNair staff on instructional planning, attendance documentation, and content summaries for grant reporting.
Combined Appointment Option
The McNair Program is looking for instructors in both quantitative reasoning and verbal and analytical-writing instruction. Applicants with demonstrated expertise in both quantitative reasoning and verbal or analytical-writing instruction may be considered for appointment to both instructional tracks during the same spring term. If you are interested in being considered for both, you may submit all materials to the one job posting that would be your preferred subject, but please make your interest and qualifications for both positions explicit in your cover letter.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or higher preferred in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrated experience teaching or tutoring college-level students in the relevant content area.
- Proven ability to design engaging, scaffolded instruction that develops academic and analytical skills necessary for graduate study.
- Commitment to equity-minded pedagogy and mentorship of first-generation and low-income scholars.
- Familiarity with graduate-level academic expectations preferred.
- Familiarity with and/or working with federal TRIO program populations preferred
a complete submission includes the following components: (1) CV/Resume; (2) Cover Letter detailing the rationale for applying to the role and relevant qualifications; (3) Recent Teaching Evaluations (if available). Applications without cover letters will NOT be considered. If candidate is a finalist, three professional references will be required before a final offer is made. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Salary: $3,000.00 per course
Salary Transparency
Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment.
As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.
