Faculty Position: Director of Teacher Education

Description

Applications are being accepted for a full-time Director of Teacher Education position with experience with Accreditation Management and a background in Special Education. The successful candidate will be a dynamic scholar-teacher who is passionate about managing an outstanding, accredited teacher education program and preparing future educators to effectively serve diverse learners with disabilities. The teaching load will include 24 credit hours over the fall and spring semesters of the 2025-26 academic year, comprised of courses that support the teacher education program for elementary and secondary licensure with emphasis on special education courses. Additionally, the Director of Teacher Education position includes a 12 credit hour  course release (two courses per semester) for responsibilities related to accreditation management, curriculum coordination, licensure, Title II reporting, and oversight for the undergraduate teacher education program and AU’s Transition to Teaching program, which would include department chair responsibilities.

 Teaching:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Special Education, including but not limited to:
  • Introduction to Mild Disabilities
  • Technology for Diverse Learners
  • Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Youth
  • Special Education Assessment for the Classroom Teacher
  • Classroom Instruction for Mild Disabilities
  • Organizational Management for the Classroom
• Utilize engaging and effective teaching methods to promote student learning and intellectual curiosity.
•  Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

 Advising and Mentoring:

•  Advise undergraduate teacher education majors, guiding them through course selection, career exploration, and academic success.
•  Offer mentorship opportunities to support student research projects and professional development.

Scholarship and Service:

• Conduct high-quality research in the areas of Special Education, including inclusive practices, assistive technology, and/or teacher preparation.
• Publish scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at professional conferences.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees to contribute to academic governance and program development.
•  Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and learning outcomes assessment.
•  Stay current with advancements in the field of teacher education, particularly in the areas of instruction, assessment and classroom management for diverse learners.

Additional Assignments:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local schools and community partners
• Provide leadership in accreditation efforts, including:

• Managing the preparation and submission of acreditation reports (CAEP, SPAs, Title II).
• Participating in self-study and site visits.
• Staying current on accreditation standards and best practices.

•  Hold at least 8 weekly office hours in which students can schedule meetings.
•  Facilitate department meetings, faculty evaluations, budget management, and annual updates to master schedule, catalog and advising sheets.
•  Attend chapel services regularly.
•  Participate in faculty committee work and complete required assessment activities, including submitting requested reports to the Academic Outcomes Assessment Committee.
• Submit an annual report to the Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social & Behavioral Sciences.
•  Respond promptly and regularly to email communications from DTE faculty, the dean, and students/advisee.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree required but earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with accreditation processes (e.g., NCATE, CAEP) and licensure processes
• Demonstrated experience in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in Special Education.
• Strong record of scholarly research and publication.
• Demonstrated success and enthusiasm for working with undergraduate students.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to student success and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.

Candidates should have belief in and commitment to Jesus Christ and the Christian faith as interpreted through the historic witness of the Bible and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit. They should possess a vitality of Christian experience that is maturing in insight and application. Candidates must meet University lifestyle expectations.

Benefits: This is a 9-month position paid over 12 months. Full-time position with eligibility for university benefits, and the possibility for summer employment. Opportunities for professional development funds and conference travel
support are available.

•  Remitted Tuition
• Sick Leave
•  Paid Holidays
•  403B (retirement) with matching contribution
•  Insurance - Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life, Long Term Disability
• Free Access to Kardatzke Wellness Center