The Education Department at Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Education, specializing in elementary reading/literacy, beginning August 2024. The person holding this position is responsible for teaching Elementary Reading Methods 1 & 2, the supervision of Field-based and Student Teachers, prepares students for Texas certification exams with an emphasis on the Science of Teaching Reading, and teaches additional language arts courses such as Multicultural Children's Literature, Integrated Languages Arts, Literacy in the Content Area, and/or Second Language Acquisition. These courses contribute to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) with a focus on elementary and middle school certification candidates and are designed to support growth in research-based best practices. The teacher preparation program includes extensive placements and supervision of students in local schools. Many Education Department graduates have earned teaching awards and the Education Department has an excellent state-wide reputation. The Department of Education offers an undergraduate Teacher Certification Program to prepare students for work in public and private education, community agencies, and higher education. The Education program is committed to preparing reflective educators who work collaboratively and effectively with diverse students in public schools by using current research and best practices to inform their practices. The department's Teacher Certification Program is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Faculty at Southwestern are expected to teach a standard course load of five courses per year (either 2-3 or 3-2) and maintain an active research agenda, as well as participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, and academic advising.
The department faculty are particularly interested in recruiting a colleague who is passionate about being a teacher-scholar in the liberal arts context, who is committed to social justice, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and who would be poised to closely mentor the diverse range of students we attract. Additionally, the department faculty are looking for a colleague who is supportive of an environment which is interdisciplinary, collaborative and collegial. The Education Department has been at the forefront of educator preparation work through the faculty's efforts to highlight the tenets of social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and the importance of teaching and supporting students who have disabilities and/or are culturally and linguistically diverse - themes that serve as the framework for our course curriculum.
Successful candidates must have at least 3 years of teaching in an elementary school setting (grades K-5) as teacher of record/head teacher including reading instruction in the primary grades. Additionally, the successful candidate must have earned a doctorate in Reading or Language Arts, Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading or Language Arts, or a degree in a closely related field and expertise in a balanced/holistic approach to reading and literacy. The successful candidate must also have a demonstrated record of commitment to and excellence in teaching undergraduate students, a demonstrated commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented groups, including racially minoritized students, cultivating inclusion and belonging, and an active research agenda.
To apply, candidates should submit the following information to Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/134070):
CV Letter of interest that includes brief descriptions of sustained teaching, preferably in public schools, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and research Three confidential letters of reference (letter writers will receive an email allowing them to directly upload the letter into Interfolio) Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The review of applications begins on November 15. Materials will not be accepted in hard copy or via email.
The Education Department and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the fall 2022 semester, 36% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. In your application materials, please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting.
Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student–faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.
Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating. Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds - including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities - are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins. Sponsorship for an employment-based visa may be an option depending upon university needs and the applicant's qualifications.
All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University's Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Southwestern University is an E-Verify Employer. EOE/M/F
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