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Instructor of Special Education or Assistant Professor of Special Education – Faculty Position

Job Title: Instructor of Special Education or Assistant Professor of Special Education

Position Summary:
The teaching load is four courses per semester or course equivalents totaling 12 credits. The candidate must be qualified to teach a variety of generalist education classes. The position involves classroom teaching, student advising, field experience supervision, and committee responsibilities. This position is tenure-track eligible.

WPU strives to create a vibrant learning community for all its members, including students, staff, and faculty. To foster that community faculty will lead by example, develop others’ leadership capabilities, employ relevant technologies, and actively demonstrate the Quaker virtues of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality. Professors will teach assigned classes, mentor students, manage, document, and communicate student concerns and progress, support university processes to achieve educational and economic goals, complete annual professional development goals, and cooperate ethically and collegially.

Department: Education Division

Qualifications:

Education Master’s Degree in Education
Experience Requirements: Master’s degree in education and a minimum of three years in k-8 special education. The candidate must hold an Instructional Strategist I endorsement.
Preferences: Doctorate in education or related fields and experience in college teaching.
Abilities
  • Office management/coordination abilities;
  • Independent decision making, ability to exercise good judgment, accuracy, flexibility and well-developed critical thinking skills;
  • Ability to work in an environment of shifting priorities, frequent, interruptions, hectic pace, high level of interaction with students, staff and/or the public;
  • Working knowledge of computer software programs which may include Microsoft Office programs, learning-management programs, or other institutional software.
  • Excellent written communication skills including proficiency in business English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
  • Ability to handle highly confidential matters and materials with discretion;
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines;
  • Excellent customer service skills including phone and in-person reception etiquette;
  • Proficiency with office machines including fax, scanner and copy machine.
  • Ability to travel and to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
  • Is an effective TEAM player.

Teaching and Advising

  • Works productively and skillfully to promote student learning and progress toward graduation. Develops positive, encouraging, and interactive relationships with students in and out of the classroom
  • Inspires students to learn, persevere, and succeed.
  • Employs effective classroom management strategies and learning theories.
  • Plans and prepares class activities, discussions, projects, and other learning opportunities.
  • Grades and returns student work in a timely manner. Maintains grades for students to review using the university systems (LMS).
  • Maintains accurate and timely records including attendance, advisee meetings and communications, etc. Maintains current advising folders and records. Communicates concerns regarding student progress to advisors, coaches, administration, etc.
  • Maintains a presence on campus (35+ hours per week), including generous office hours.
  • Creates syllabi that clearly state course policies in harmony with university policies and uses university template for syllabi.
  • Holds final exams during university-assigned exam periods for each course.
  • Advises and mentors students regarding academic majors, progress toward graduation, and career goals. Assists students with registration, applying for graduation, applying for graduate school, negotiating university processes, etc.
  • Respects student potential and the mission of the university.

Professional Development

  • Works cooperatively to support recruiting, retention, and student development.
  • Participates in and supports university and educational assessment processes. Completes assessment activities for course, area, and division assessment.
  • Completes Annual Performance Evaluations, including annual review with division chair. Achieves goals set forth in the review.
  • Documents progress toward professional goals, commitment to excellence, and development of intellectual and pedagogical skills.
  • Attends conferences. Maintains a research-learning agenda. Documents and shares the results of conferences and research.
  • Supports and encourages other faculty; is willing to share expertise to assist and train others.
  • Accepts criticism and counsel from peers, division chair, and dean.
  • Remains current intellectually and pedagogically, including learning theories and the productive use of technology.
  • Supports the university performance management system.
  • Demonstrates a TEAM mindset.

Service

  • Actively participates in the academic, athletic, and social life of the campus.
  • Actively participates on campus committees and/or student groups.
  • Actively supports student recruiting, retention, advising, and documentation processes to meet university goals and support student progress.

Ethics & Collegiality

  • Represents the University in a positive manner with prospective, current, and former students, colleagues, and the community. Works effectively with students, colleagues, and the Oskaloosa community.
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm, self-motivation, and positive attitudes.
  • Follows division and college policies and procedures.
  • Works harmoniously and cooperatively with others

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Trustees of William Penn University.

Terms of Employment: First-year probation. Annual reviews with division chair. Documented progress toward annual goals – personal, division, and university.

Start Date: August 2024

Replacement or New Position: Replacement

Full-time/Part-time/Temp: Full-time

Closing Date of Posting: Open until filled

Application Materials: To apply for this position, email the following materials in pdf format:

  1. A letter of interest relating your qualifications to the position
  2. A one-page educational teaching philosophy
  3. Curriculum vitae
  4. Three current letters of recommendation

Need to be sent to Dr. Stephen Henderson, Division Chair at henderson@wmpenn.edu.

William Penn University is an equal opportunity provider and employer.