Visiting Professor, Climate Policy and Management

As a Visiting Professor of Climate Policy and Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, you will be responsible for teaching core courses in the Environmental Policy and Management Program. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to develop and teach electives related to your area of expertise, engage in professional service that integrates academic work with practical applications, and contribute to the research community through scholarly production.

Candidates applying for the Visiting Professor position at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies should have a strong educational background, ideally with a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field. Experience in climate policy topics such as climate finance, climate justice, or energy vulnerability is highly desirable. Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, as well as the ability to engage diverse student populations.

To apply for the Visiting Professor position in Climate Policy and Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, candidates need to prepare specific application materials. This includes a curriculum vitae, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a statement outlining teaching and research plans, a sample of their scholarly production, a one-page statement on inclusion, and three letters of recommendation. One of the most important elements is demonstrating your commitment to diversity and inclusion in academia.

Middlebury Institute of International Studies offers its faculty competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes excellent health, dental, life, disability, and vision benefits, along with generous retirement matching. Faculty members also enjoy an attractive time-away program that offers up to 34 days off per year during the first two years of service, as well as robust educational assistance programs to support ongoing professional development.

Middlebury Institute of International Studies places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion within its Climate Policy and Management program. By encouraging a diverse array of faculty applications, including those from women, people of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ community members, the program fosters an enriching educational atmosphere that embraces various perspectives, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for all students.

When asked about your teaching philosophy, aim to reflect on how you engage students through active learning and critical thinking. Highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment and how you tailor your curriculum to accommodate diverse backgrounds and learning styles, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued during discussions.

To answer this question, discuss ways you plan to blend your research interests with teaching. Explain how you plan to involve students in research projects or real-world policy issues and provide examples of past experiences where research and teaching intersected effectively, showing the tangible outcomes of this integration.

Demonstrate your engagement with the field by discussing specific methods you use to stay informed, such as attending conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, or collaborating with industry professionals. This shows potential employers that you prioritize continuous learning and are dedicated to bringing the latest knowledge into the classroom.

In your response, highlight your ability to facilitate open discussions that encourage students to express their views and experiences related to climate justice. Share specific strategies you have found effective, such as case studies, role-playing, or group projects that promote diverse perspectives and invite students to think critically about their role in societal change.

When discussing assessment methods, emphasize your multifaceted approach to evaluating student learning outcomes. Discuss how you incorporate a mix of formative assessments, constructive feedback, and summative evaluations that align with course objectives, ensuring you consider diverse student needs to promote learning growth.

Provide detailed examples of your past experiences that involved engaging with relevant stakeholders, such as community members, government agencies, or NGOs. Highlight specific projects where you mediated discussions or led initiatives, showcasing your negotiation skills and ability to bridge gaps among diverse interests.

Acknowledge potential challenges, such as student skepticism or varying levels of understanding, and share your strategies for addressing these issues. Discuss the importance of creating a safe space for dialogue and employing adaptive teaching methods to foster better comprehension and engagement.

Talk about the importance of mentorship and professional networking, and how you plan to facilitate these opportunities for your students. Discuss your willingness to connect students with industry professionals, internships, or research opportunities that align with their career goals.

Share your vision for using case studies, simulations, or guest speakers that provide students with hands-on experience relevant to climate policy issues. Illustrate how these real-world elements can strengthen understanding and prepare students for practical applications in their future careers.

Enumerate the unique perspectives diversity brings to the discussion of climate policy, emphasizing the importance of engaging underrepresented voices. Point out that equitable solutions require input from all corners of society, and as an educator, you are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values every student’s contribution.