Adjunct Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Adjunct Instructor jobs in Iowa concentrate in higher education, community colleges, and continuing education programs, with demand ranging from entry-level course instructors to experienced faculty in specialized fields. The strongest hiring markets are Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, where institutions like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Des Moines Area Community College maintain consistent adjunct rosters. The most in-demand specialties include business administration, nursing and allied health, and STEM disciplines. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Adjunct Instructor jobs
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
Pay is $1,314 per credit hour.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Kirkwood Community College seeks a skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Adjunct Instructor. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge base in their discipline and teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Primary duties will include instructing students in courses, and communicating with department staff, students, and other faculty.
Kirkwood Community College’s Allied Health Department is seeking a clinical instructor for the Dental Hygiene program. The position requires the candidate to be a current Registered Dental Hygienist at least 3 years of recent clinical experience. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree. Experience working with students or previous training experience is preferred, but not required. The position will not be expected to create curriculum, but is expected to adapt existing curriculum to meet the needs of the students in the clinic space and meet all course learning outcomes. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, goal-oriented, be able to communicate complex methods and procedures clearly and precisely to students, conduct test-outs, and maintain correspondence with program faculty.
We are looking for someone on Mondays or Wednesday, full days from 8 am to 4 pm for the fall and spring semesters. The location is at the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.Adjunct faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions scheduled intermittently based on institutional need. Adjuncts are not guaranteed work in any semester and are notified of course assignments prior to each term as courses become available. Official transcripts will be required if offered a position.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
- Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide instruction in discipline.
- Work with other faculty members to develop a course syllabus and consistent assessments.
- Communicate with department staff, students, and faculty on a regular basis.
- Perform other related work duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Effectively instruct and communicate material for the course.
- Abide by and enforce safety rules when in a lab setting.
- Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in a classroom setting. Occasional (10-33%) sitting, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) standing, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current Registered Dental Hygienist.
- Minimum of 3 years of recent, related experience in Dental Hygiene.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
- Local Anesthesia Permit
- Experience teaching at the college level.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of a comprehensive community college.
- Demonstrated success in working collaboratively.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
Pay is $1,314 per credit hour.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Kirkwood Community College seeks a skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Adjunct Instructor. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge base in their discipline and teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Primary duties will include instructing students in courses, and communicating with department staff, students, and other faculty.
Kirkwood Community College’s Allied Health Department is seeking a clinical instructor for the Dental Hygiene program. The position requires the candidate to be a current Registered Dental Hygienist at least 3 years of recent clinical experience. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree. Experience working with students or previous training experience is preferred, but not required. The position will not be expected to create curriculum, but is expected to adapt existing curriculum to meet the needs of the students in the clinic space and meet all course learning outcomes. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, goal-oriented, be able to communicate complex methods and procedures clearly and precisely to students, conduct test-outs, and maintain correspondence with program faculty.
We are looking for someone on Mondays or Wednesday, full days from 8 am to 4 pm for the fall and spring semesters. The location is at the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.Adjunct faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions scheduled intermittently based on institutional need. Adjuncts are not guaranteed work in any semester and are notified of course assignments prior to each term as courses become available. Official transcripts will be required if offered a position.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
- Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
- Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
- Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
- Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide instruction in discipline.
- Work with other faculty members to develop a course syllabus and consistent assessments.
- Communicate with department staff, students, and faculty on a regular basis.
- Perform other related work duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
- Effectively instruct and communicate material for the course.
- Abide by and enforce safety rules when in a lab setting.
- Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in a classroom setting. Occasional (10-33%) sitting, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) standing, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current Registered Dental Hygienist.
- Minimum of 3 years of recent, related experience in Dental Hygiene.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
- Local Anesthesia Permit
- Experience teaching at the college level.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of a comprehensive community college.
- Demonstrated success in working collaboratively.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
See All 23 Adjunct Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Adjunct Instructor JobsAdjunct Instructor Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Adjunct Instructor Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Des Moines Area Community College13
- Northeast Iowa Community College2
- MercyOne1
- School of EMS1S
- Drake University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in adjunct instructor jobs across Iowa.
- Master's degree or higher in the teaching field or a closely related discipline
- Prior college-level teaching experience in the relevant subject area
- Strong record of curriculum development and course delivery at the postsecondary level
- Ability to teach in-person, hybrid, or fully online formats as assigned by the institution
- Professional industry experience accepted in lieu of advanced degree for certain technical or vocational fields
- Familiarity with learning management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard for course administration
Adjunct Instructor Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a adjunct instructor in Iowa?
To become an adjunct instructor in Iowa, you typically need at least a master's degree in your teaching discipline, though institutions in skilled trades or professional fields may accept a bachelor's degree combined with significant industry experience. Iowa does not require a state-issued teaching license for postsecondary adjunct roles. Most hiring goes directly through individual institutions, so applying to community colleges like Kirkwood Community College or Des Moines Area Community College is a practical starting point.
Which companies hire adjunct instructors in Iowa?
Iowa adjunct instructor roles are posted by Des Moines Area Community College, Northeast Iowa Community College, and MercyOne and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's large public university system and extensive network of community colleges across the state make it a consistent market for adjunct openings in both academic and professional program areas.
Which Iowa cities have the most adjunct instructor jobs?
Iowa, Ankeny, and Des Moines lead Iowa in adjunct instructor openings. Des Moines anchors demand through its concentration of community colleges, private universities, and corporate training programs, while Iowa City and Cedar Rapids benefit from the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College driving steady course section needs across a wide range of disciplines.
Are there remote adjunct instructor jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than many roles in education, since online course delivery is now standard at most Iowa institutions. About 0% of adjunct instructor openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly colleges have expanded their online program offerings. Fully online sections in business, writing, and general education subjects are the most consistently available remote positions.
How can I get hired as a adjunct instructor in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Iowa or Iowa State University, which builds a formal classroom record. Community colleges such as Hawkeye Community College and Indian Hills Community College regularly hire instructors from adjacent professional roles, including corporate trainers, healthcare practitioners, and licensed tradespeople. A completed master's degree, a strong letter of intent tailored to the department, and a sample syllabus or course outline significantly strengthen an application from a first-time instructor.
Where can I find and apply to adjunct instructor jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to adjunct instructor jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across institutions and subject areas. Search the listings to find roles that match your teaching background and qualifications, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 23 Adjunct Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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