Funeral Service Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Funeral Service Instructor is responsible for providing and sustaining an effective learning environment for every student through well-prepared classes, relevant assignments, fair and holistic assessment of learning, clear documentation and feedback on student progress, and support of academic success for all students. Faculty members must be available Monday through Friday. This position primarily supports students on campus and online. This position works under the guidance and supervision of the Academic Dean.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops the syllabus for each course assigned based on Pierce Mortuary College criteria. The syllabus is to include learning objectives expressed in behavioral terms.
• Provides the syllabus to the Academic Dean for review prior to distributing it to students before the first-class session.
• Teaches the depth and scope of class materials as outlined in the syllabus and catalog and relates the instruction to careers and employer expectations.
• Prepare and grades examinations based upon course objectives and published exam schedule and returns all assignments in a timely manner.
• Implement evaluation for outcomes assessment and achieve established results while maintaining college standards of student satisfaction.
• Faculty members are expected to assist on campus with clinical and restorative arts labs.
• Works creatively in all classes taught to discourage students from withdrawal and maintain satisfactory retention.
• Begin and end each class at the designated times, providing a full period of instruction.
• Provide tutorial assistance and academic advising to all students when needed.
• Leaves the classroom or laboratory clean, organized, and ready for the next user.
• Submits, at the designated time, final grades for all students on the class roster.
• Accurately maintains attendance records in accordance with the Attendance Policy, maintains a separate record of attendance and grades that are clearly labeled and posted electronically at the end of the term.
• Call all students who are absent and submit written reports of pertinent information to the Academic Dean.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, graduation and other college events as required by the College.
• May need to travel to campuses based on larger events such as graduation and on campus requirements.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

SKILLS

• Ability to evaluate, design, and implement curriculum, testing, and/or teaching methodologies.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs.
• Teaching and facilitation skills.
• Ability to teach and control the behavior of students.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant current education methodologies and techniques.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Graduate of an institution of funeral service education accredited by the American Board (ABFSE).
• Must hold current and valid state licenses as a funeral director and embalmer.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with students, staff, and community from diverse backgrounds and commitment to a culturally diverse work environment.
• Must obtain a Texas Funeral Director’s license within 90 days of hire.
• Perform on-campus clinical embalming in compliance with institutional guidelines and safety standards.
• Two years’ experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree preferred. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or the ability to earn a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university within five years of their initial appointment date.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a licensed funeral director and 2 years’ experience as an active embalmer is preferred.
• Teaching experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds or some standing or walking.
• Limited exposure to physical risk.