Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Adjunct Instructor

WHO WE ARE - National Louis University (NLU), founded in 1886, is a private, non-profit university based in Chicago, IL serving nearly 10,000 students across five colleges. In November 2020, the University launched Accelerate U, a new division at the university offering rapid pathways to high-demand skills, post-secondary degrees, and an upwardly-mobile job and career. The Accelerate U team works with employers and non-profit operators to build affordable academic and training pathways that 1) lead to an industry-recognized credential/certificate, 2) bridge to an in-demand, upwardly-mobile job, 3) include coaching and wraparound supports, and 4) grant participants Pell-eligible college credit that can build to a bachelor's degree.

In the Fall of 2023, Accelerate U launched a new certificate pathway - The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate Program. This is a 24 week program designed to support students in becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and moving into entry level IT and networking full time jobs. The program consists of five courses, which take place over two 12-week terms:

Term 1
• CCNA 210: Introduction to Networking and Information Security, 5 QH, 12 Weeks
• CCNA 302: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Fundamentals, 5 QH, 12 Weeks
• CAR 204 Part 1: My Professional Story, 3 QH, 12 weeks
• Term 1
• CCNA 405: Connecting Networks, 5 QH, 12 Weeks
• CCNA 410: IT Support and CCNA Prep, 5 QH, 12 Weeks
• CAR 204 Part 2: My Professional Story, 2 QH, 12 weeks

Through the entire program, participants work with a career coach to develop the durable skills needed to be successful in their job including effective communication, problem solving, and time management.

In order to complete the program, students will be expected to pass the CCNA exam, and will earn 25 Quarter Hour credits. Our vision is for all students to complete this program and successfully enter full time careers and consider continuing their education at National Louis University.

WHO YOU ARE-

You are: Driven to Succeed. You are energetic and passionate about a diverse student body that includes many first-generation students who are new to a college environment. To be successful teaching in this program, you must be committed to excellence in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The position requires you to be agile, creative and engaging while offering a new curriculum and an unparalleled experience to undergraduate students. Enthusiastic candidates have the belief that all students can be successful students. As an active team member you believe in a supportive environment and a student-driven culture.

You will: Offer Best-in-Class Teaching and Learning. You believe that your work has demonstrated your respect for education and the power that it holds. Each term, you will facilitate blended classes that utilize technology and data to drive instruction. You will work with a dedicated team of Coaches and Instructors, Content Experts and Data Analysts to determine how to personalize the learning experience for your students. In addition to teaching content, you will also focus on growth mindset among your students, increase non-cognitive skill development, nurture academic confidence, and prepare students for their professional pathways.

You are ready to: Make an Impact. Each and every day, this program changes lives. You want to be a part of that meaningful Through the entire program, participants work with a coach to develop the durable skills needed to be successful in their job including effective communication, problem solving, and time management. You are someone that will always look for creative ways for students to earn success. We know this work is challenging, but we are in it together.

Candidates should have experience in teaching IT and networking courses. This is a part-time adjunct position that requires instructors to collaborate on a regular basis with the support team that surrounds each student. This position requires on-site teaching at the Chicago campus on weekday evenings.

• Collaborate to develop an effective student experience for students.
• Facilitate courses assigned by delivering in-person instruction consisting of weekly lecture and weekly lab sessions.
• Utilize technology-based teaching platforms, including D2L (our LMS) and Cisco Net Academy, to assign and assess student work.
• Maintain current and active knowledge in the expertise area that is reflected in instruction
• Communicate professionally, relate well, and share a passion for college success for diverse learners.
• Participate in weekly virtual meetings with coaches and Accelerate U Staff to report student progress and obstacles.
• Empower students to develop competency by sharing a passion for the subject and the skills.
• Promote student success by showing flexibility in delivery and work schedule to provide student support, as well as, exhibit a passion for teaching and engaging students in the learning process.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Technology proficient.
• Excellent facilitation and classroom management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Agility.
• Ability to work with a highly diverse faculty and student body.
• Willingness/ability to use data to inform instruction.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION

• Associate's Degree in Information Technology or comparable degree; and 2 years of professional experience directly related to networking and information technology.
• CCNA certified (preferred) or equivalent industry experience.
• Must be able to complete required Cisco Net Academy Teacher Training (~8 weeks of online coursework prior to teaching).
• Experience teaching networking concepts to students of diverse backgrounds and abilities - preferred.
• Experience with online/digital tools for teaching - preferred.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. Our institution values Adjunct Faculty's role in advancing our teaching mission and preparing our students for successful careers. Adjunct Faculty have access to training resources for professional development, access to shared governance as a part of our Adjunct Council, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and paid time off. A more complete list of Adjunct Faculty Benefits can be found here.

Adjunct Faculty are paid by course or assignment each term. These rates vary by college and number of credit hours for the course/assignment. While the specific amount will be indicated in an electronic contract that is issued to the Adjunct Faculty member when the course is assigned, an overview of standard rate structure is available below:

2025 Adjunct Faculty Rate Structure

Required Documents:

• CV/Resume

• Transcripts (unofficial/official) - Official Transcripts will be required upon hire

Optional Documents:

• Cover Letter

• Course Syllabus

• Course Evaluations

• Letters of Recommendation