Thank you for applying to teach at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Applicants should file their application at least three months in advance, to enter into a four-stage process that lead to your eventual appointment as a faculty member:
Qualifications
(Qualifications for Theology, Biblical Studies, and General Education)
Before applying to teach with SUM, please confirm that you fulfill these minimum qualifications:
- Earned a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Passed 18 credits in a subject taught at SUM: applied theology, biblical studies, general education, theology
- At least two (2) years of field experience related to the subject matter. All people applying to teach Bible, theology, or applied theology must have church work experience.
Stage 1: Getting to Know SUM
Please read through the following to get a better understanding of our school and ministry.
| Step | Document | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SUM Catalog | Familiarize yourself with the history, values, departments, degree programs, calendar, course descriptions, and policies. | |
| SUM Statement of Faith | Please review our Statement of Faith to determine if you affirm SUM’s Christian values. |
Stage 2: Submitting the Application
Please gather all of the following documents first before uploading them to our Application Upload page.
| Step | Document | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Letter | Submit a cover letter, indicating a summary of who you are, and why you think that teaching at SUM would be ideal for you and the Kingdom of God. | |
| Curriculum Vitae | Submit an updated Curriculum Vitae or resumé, including details, but not limited to: educational background, professional experience, studio work, skills, technological competencies, community service and current participation in the local church. | |
| Employment Application | Please submit the SUM Employment Application. We request permission to perform a personal background check. | |
| Letters of Recommendation | Please have two letters of recommendations sent to us, one from a former college/seminary professor, and one from your pastor. When you ask your recommenders fill out this Letter of Recommendation Form, please give them the exact same name, email, and phone number that you used in the Employment Application, so we can match the letters to your file. | |
| Biographical Sketch | Please submit a biographical sketch of your conversion, call, and personal goals. |
Stage 3: Hiring Interview
After submitting all of the documents from Stage 2, a Hiring Interview will be set up.
| Step | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Setup | The Undergraduate Dean will email you to set up an appointment. | |
| Webinar or Call | The interview will be held over Zoom so that the applicant can view the interviewers face-to-face, and share screens. | |
| Hiring Committee Recommendations | The Hiring Committee will consist of the Undergraduate Dean, the International Director, and 1 to 2 faculty members. The Committee will make a recommendation for hire or not hire to the Chief Academic Officer. | |
| Chief Academic Officer Approval | Based on the curriculum need, budget, and recommendations of the Hiring Committee, the CAO will decide on hiring the applicant. An official SUM email will be sent to the applicant, welcoming them to SUM’s community. |
Stage 4: Finalizing Paperwork
Should the Chief Academic Officer hire the teaching assistant applicant, the following documents should be signed and submitted to SUM.
| Step | Document | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Verification | Please view our Employment Verification page to submit the proper financial payment documentation. | |
| Teaching Assistant Agreement | Active faculty members must confirm the number of courses taught, as well as acknowledge the responsibilities of the faculty, SUM’s Statement of Faith, FERPA and receipt of the Faculty Manual. A personalized contract will be sent to each instructor via RightSignature. Please sign and submit online. |
Resources
These are the relevant resources if you have been accepted as a teaching assistant.
Academic Calendar
Plan your trimester well in advance by viewing our Academic Calendar for the Class Schedules, Holidays, and Faculty Meetings.
Technology
SUM continually seeks to pursue creative, affordable methods to advance the preaching of the gospel. Familiarize yourself with the following technology tools at your disposal. The Director of Music will be contacting you on technology training shortly after your hiring.
| Service | Purpose | Website | Login Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| sum.edu | View the Class Schedule, Textbook Lists, and download Academic Forms | www.sum.edu | No login necessary |
| Gmail | Email correspondence with SUM Administration, Faculty and Students | www.google.com/a/sum.edu/ | An account will be created for you. |
| CampusVue | Record student attendance and grades | portal.sum.edu | Username: Lastname Password: Refer to [email protected] Email: [email protected] |
| Canvas | Post resources and assignments for students, as well get help in the Faculty Resources | sum.instructure.com | Create your own Username and Password. Enroll in Faculty Resources. |
| Webcam/Microphone | Electronic devices that capture your face and project your voice on Zoom | Purchase these separately | |
| Zoom | Project your face and voice for live video conferencing | sum.zoom.us | |
| Microsoft Teams | Access will be provided upon hire. | ||
| SUM Chapels | Watch “live” or recorded video of weekly chapels. | sum.sermon.net | No login necessary |
| Library Resources | www.sum.edu/library | No login necessary |
