Whatcom Community College-Adjunct Paralegal Studies Instructor (Bellingham)

Whatcom Community College (WCC) welcomes applications for a Part-Time, Adjunct Instructor position to teach Paralegal Studies beginning winter quarter 2026. The successful candidate will primarily teach courses in Paralegal Studies such as Legal Interpretation and Legal Terminology. Additional courses may be assigned based on departmental need and instructor expertise. We are seeking a dynamic legal professional with a passion for teaching and a commitment to student-centered learning, equity, and excellence in legal education. This position is ideal for practicing or retired attorneys, judges, or paralegals with teaching experience who are enthusiastic about shaping the next generation of legal professionals. Whatcom Community College (WCC) is looking for candidates who strive to create a thriving learning community that supports excellence, opportunity, and equity for students, faculty and staff. WCC is focused on building a community of respect, sustainability and inclusivity through secure, welcoming, and engaging learning environments that encourage and support the academic and personal success of WCC students. Understanding this work is a lifelong process, the opportunities at WCC offer individuals the ability and means to seek personal and professional growth on and off campus in an area known for its beauty and culture. Faculty at Whatcom Being a faculty member at Whatcom offers the opportunity to engage in the advancement of equitable student outcomes and the elimination of equity gaps. Faculty have regular opportunities for on-campus professional development, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement in workshops and learning communities. These opportunities contribute to professional advancement at the College, as well as personal growth. The successful candidate: -Demonstrates content knowledge in general civil law. -Integrates diversity, equity and inclusion throughout services and practices. -Uses student centered inclusive pedagogy with innovative and inclusive curriculum and teaching methods. -Engages in collaborative communication, practices, and activities with students and colleagues. -Appreciates the differences in people and integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout. -Develops innovative ideas/solutions to workplace challenges. Responsibilities -Teach one or more courses in the Legal Interpretation Certificate Program, such as: PLS 250 - Legal interpretation. -Develop and deliver inclusive, practical, and engaging course content aligned with Washington State AOC standards and credentialing requirements. -Prepare syllabi, lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials that reflect language access principles and best practices. -Hold regular office hours (in-person or virtual) to support student learning. -Provide timely feedback and maintain accurate student records. -Collaborate with faculty and program staff to advance student success and program objectives. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: -Current certification or registration as a court interpreter by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). -Substantial professional experience interpreting in legal or courtroom settings. -Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. -Commitment to professional ethics and language access in the justice system. Preferred Qualifications: -Experience teaching, mentoring, or training interpreters in academic or professional settings. -Familiarity with Canvas or similar Learning Management Systems (LMS). -Experience interpreting in rural, tribal, or multilingual court environments. -Demonstrated commitment to equity in legal systems and language justice for underrepresented communities. Salary: -$6,178.00 per class for winter quarter 2026. Benefits: -Accrues a percentage of 7 hours (equal to the percentage of workload) per month of sick leave (ex. 50% quarterly employment contract x 7 hrs for full-time = 3.5 hrs per month for that quarter.) Start Date: -Winter quarter 2026. January 7th, 2026 is the first day of the quarter. Application Due Date: -For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received as soon as possible. Position open until filled. How To Apply A completed application consists of an online application and: -Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position. -Diversity statement that responds to the following question (1 page max). *Whatcom Community College has a strategic plan core theme to advance equity. Describe ways in which you have actively engaged and demonstrated a commitment to promoting the success of diverse students or employees. -Current resume. -Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date. -List of five recent professional references with contact information. To apply please visit us at: https://www.whatcom.edu/job-info