Education Department Chair

Summary

Washington & Jefferson College is seeking a Chair of its award-winning Teacher Education Department at either the associate or full professor rank commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will possess a doctoral degree in education or other appropriate field with a minimum of three to five years of successful teaching at the elementary or secondary school level and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to the science and art of teaching. We are seeking a person who desires to exercise collaborative leadership with a strong commitment to program growth at the undergraduate level and pioneer the development of new programs beyond the undergraduate boundaries.

The philosophy of the program is grounded in active learning, "the way to learn to teach - is to teach" represented by our motto, "Docendo Discimus - we learn by teaching." The courses in this experiential education program are all non-lecture based. All courses include both students engaging in micro-teaching a portion of the course and completing an internship in a relevant educational setting. We seek an inspiring teacher and administrator capable of leading this unique student-centered department, grounded in restorative practice, the theories of multiple intelligences, and community outreach.

The department recently successfully completed a Pennsylvania Department of Education review of all of its certification programs. The department offers PreK - 4 and grades 4-8 certification with a Child Development and Education major offered in partnership with the Psychology Department; PreK-12 specialty certification with an education minor and a major in Art, French, German, or Spanish; secondary certification with a minor in education and major in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies History; and PreK - 12 Special Education. A growing number of our students are pursuing special education certification along with their primary certification area. The department also participates in a wide range of interdisciplinary programs including Conflict and Resolution Studies, and Gender and Women's Studies.

The successful candidate will teach a variety of education courses; be actively involved in academic advising of students; participate in admissions events; and supervise professors and staff within the department. The chair also serves as the liaison to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and works with academic departments across a variety of disciplines. Additional responsibilities include supervising student interns and student teachers at our diverse urban, suburban, and rural school partnerships. The successful candidate needs to be an active, collegial, and creative team member. We are especially interested in candidates who will serve as personal and professional role models and mentors for the next generation of teachers.

Pursuant our vision of cultivating an inclusive community, the search committee asks all applicants to address in their teaching statement how their past and/or potential contributions might serve to advance our commitment to teaching and mentoring young people from a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews; how their experiences and interests blends with interdisciplinary areas of study; and how their own teaching and learning experiences in education can serve the needs of all future educators teaching a variety of ages, grades, and disciplines.

Educational Requirements

The successful candidate will possess a doctoral degree in the field of education secondary preferred and have clinical experience in teaching K - 12 plus an extensive record of college or university level instruction and scholarship. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, and requires a person with broad vision.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, three confidential letters of recommendation, a teaching statement and evidence of teaching excellence such as peer and student evaluations, and a sample syllabus to https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/ . It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. To upload more than one document on the application, please choose file then upload files until all documents are showing in the submitted documents area. Any questions about uploading documents may be directed to hr@washjeff.edu . Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Professor John Zimmerman at jzimmerman@washjeff.edu . To maintain their confidentiality, recommenders may send their letters of recommendation to hr@washjeff.edu . Review of application materials will begin November 15, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College, the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains, is consistently ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States. Located in Washington, Pennsylvania, the college is home to a diverse population of approximately 1,100 students from 26 states and 11 countries. Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Pittsburgh is a vibrant city consistently ranked as among the best cities in which to live and one that boasts an excellent food culture, nationally-recognized museums and performing arts organizations, major league sports franchises, and thriving medical and high-tech industries.

Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Diversity

Washington & Jefferson College has made a commitment "to become a more welcoming and visibly diverse community every year, increasingly reflecting the demographics of the region and nation." The College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators, and employees are able to live, study, and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world. We encourage candidates to specifically address in their application materials how they would contribute to the College's pursuit of that vision.