DEPARTMENT CHAIR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

UNIVERSITY PROFILE: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an internationally renowned institution of higher education because of its innovative academic programs, stellar faculty engaged in groundbreaking research and scholarship, and diverse students who are among the top tier in their respective areas of study. UAB is Alabama’s largest public employer, and Forbes named UAB as America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer 2021. This distinction adds to the accolades for the University which is also ranked among the top 20 public universities in the United States for federal research funding. With over 22,000 students, 2,900 full-time faculty members, and 23,000 total employees across the University and hospital entities, UAB is the most prominent teaching-research university in the state of Alabama. Further, Times Higher Education ranked UAB as the No. 1 young U.S. University for 2018 and 2019. UAB has a strong commitment to diversity at all levels, and the University ranks in the top ten nationally for international student diversity, with over 90 countries represented by our students. Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, and UAB is an integral community partner where reciprocity and engagement are fundamental. For additional information, go to https://www.uab.edu/home/.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROFILE: The UAB School of Education is located in the new, state of the art Education and Engineering Complex. The School is comprised of two academic departments and prides itself on preparing graduates to “make a difference in today’s world.” In 2020, the School of Education was among U.S. News and World Report’s top 20% for online programs. Administrators and faculty have intentionally created spaces to foster collegiality such as “Walking Meetings” along beautifully manicured trails surrounding the new Complex. The School is engaged in service and outreach initiatives including the following: • Children’s Creative Learning Center• Maryann Manning Family Literacy Center • GEAR UP Alabama • Red Mountain Writing Project • UABTeach • Pre-school and ESL Grants For additional information, go to https://www.uab.edu/education/home/.

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers doctoral, master's, baccalaureate, and certification programs. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction faculty are internationally and nationally recognized for providing expertise in their respective disciplines. Through teaching, scholarship, and service, faculty contribute to the development of dynamic educational leaders who serve in diverse worldwide communities. For additional information, go to https://www.uab.edu/education/home/curriculuminstruction/.

THE POSITION: The Chair of Curriculum and Instruction reports to the Dean of the School of Education. The Chair works collaboratively with the Dean, Associate Dean, and Chair of the Department of Human Studies to provide the overall leadership necessary to implement the mission and vision of the School of Education. The successful candidate for this position will lead a dynamic and diverse Department with the support of administrative staff, program coordinators, program directors, and faculty.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will:

  • Demonstrate visionary leadership;

  • Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, excellence, and inclusiveness;

  • Maintain a leadership presence across the University and in the community;

  • Support accreditation efforts;

  • Establish a focus on ongoing, continuous quality improvement, and guide the Department’s strategic planning process;

  • Foster an environment of trust, engagement, and collegiality that permeates across the entire Department;

  • Model shared collaboration across all units in the School and with external partners and stakeholders;

  • Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse, high-quality faculty;

  • Increase the Department’s scholarship profile;

  • Facilitate and encourage faculty scholarship, service, partnerships, and external funding efforts;

  • Advocate for the Department within the University and externally;

  • Provide leadership in the development of innovative new programs, curricula, and externally funded projects;

  • Provide opportunities for continuous professional development so that faculty stay current in their fields of expertise;

  • Manage financial and human resources, policies, and procedures to support the strategic goals of the Department, the School of Education, and the University;

  • Maintain appropriate departmental teaching, scholarship, and service workloads;

  • Demonstrate strong oral, written, and digital communication skills;

  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, including a well-developed sense of fairness and integrity;

  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively;

  • Provide effective administrative oversight, training, and supervision; and

  • Motivate groups and individuals to fulfill the School of Education’s mission, vision, goals, and strategic plan through the use of effective collaboration skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • An earned doctoral degree in an appropriate field of educator preparation;

  • Possess the requisite experience and documented achievements appropriate for consideration of a tenured appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor;

  • Relevant academic administrative experience at the chair or program level or comparable level;

  • Experience managing tenure and promotion procedures, establishing schedules, and supervising staff; and

  • A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing budgets and personnel;

• At least 3 years of PreK-12 teaching experience;

• Knowledge of Alabama State Department of Education educator preparation programs;

• Record of external grant procurement; and

• Record of leading university/PreK-12 school partnership