West Chester, Pennsylvania
Clinton, New York
Posted: 20-Nov-23
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Type: Full-time
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Employment Type:
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Internal Number: 24-71
Position Summary
Join a vibrant campus community of equity-minded educators whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. The Department of Special Education invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Special Education position to begin in August 2024.
West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
The College of Education and Social Work is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, CAEP. This accreditation covers both initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. The Department of Special Education’s mission is to foster knowledge, passionate, competent, and reflective program graduates who will serve as eloquent and articulate advocates for all children, families, and their profession. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally & professionally and contribute to the common good.
The faculty position involves teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses that may be offered in-person, online, on/off campus, hybrid, or hyflex in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The ideal candidate will use innovative teaching skills and demonstrate attention to the learning and teaching needs of the department’s students. The faculty member will collaborate with other departmental faculty and staff to ensure student success. The incumbent will complete a distance education training program within the first two years of employment.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach 12 credits of undergraduate and/or graduate level courses (in-person, online, hybrid, and possibly off campus or hyflex) per semester within the area of Special Education. Classes could be assigned to be taught in the evening hours. Additional courses within an area of specialization may be assigned based on departmental needs.
- Engage in scholarly activities such as research, presentations, and publications
- Serve the University and the community through participation in various committees
- Supervise assigned student teachers and field students
- Advise assigned undergraduate students
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- A doctorate in Special Education or a closely related field with graduate degree in Special Education/specialized topic in Special Education. ABD may be considered – must be completed by December 2024
- At least 3 years of teaching experience in the role of a special education teacher in a public school or an approved private school in the United States
- Experience or expertise in culturally responsive teaching or trauma informed practices through teaching/preparing coursework, working with PK-12 students, or record of scholarship/professional development
- Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and curricula for a diverse student body, including awareness of current practices that support underrepresented populations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses; and/or
- Experience supervising student teachers; and/or
- Experience teaching students in PK classrooms or elementary classrooms; and/or
- Demonstrated experience teaching students with complex support needs, autism, or in early intervention; and/or
- Special education certification (current or expired) within the United States
Special Instructions
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Review of applications will begin in December 2023 and continue until the position has been filled.
Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process, teaching demonstration, and research presentation to be considered as a finalist.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:
- Cover letter – Highlight unique strengths/expertise aligned to this position, as well as a brief description of your potential scholarly agenda
- Curriculum vitae
- Official graduate transcripts
- List of three references with contact information (Include title, email address, and telephone number)
- Diversity Statement – Highlight your experience and commitment to inclusive learning environments and equity minded practices. Please see the information below with additional information to compose your statement.
Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion:
West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore are underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, research environments, and therapy setting? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students in which you have participated? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
