Adjunct Faculty - CSWRK 5100: Foundations of Neurodiversity; Fall Semester 2026; In-person, On-campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Lesley University

Lesley University's department of Social Work is seeking a highly qualified adjunct faculty member to teach: CSWRK5100 - Foundations of Neurodiversity; Fall Semester 2026; Wednesdays 6:45 - 9:15pm; In-person, On-campus.

Course Description:
This course examines the historical, social, and political construction of neurodiversity diagnoses and the influence of stigma on policy, practice, and lived experience. Through critical analysis of diagnostic frameworks, institutional responses, and global approaches, students explore the intersections of power, race, culture, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status in the shaping understanding of neurodiversity. The course develops competencies in documentation, ethical decision-making, supervision, crisis prevention, advocacy, and neurodiversity-affirming interventions across clinical, educational, and community settings.

A successful candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field (required); PhD in terminal degree (preferred)

• Successful teaching experience at undergraduate and/or graduate level

• Prior social work experience in a practice setting with neurodiverse clients (preferred)

• Experience in constructivist inquiry-based learning with the ability to teach concepts in ways that are accessible, relevant, and engaging

• Experience using learning management systems and educational technology to support teaching and learning

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.

A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.

At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.

Lesley University Adjunct Faculty positions are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). To view our compensation targets for this position, please visit this link.