Assistant/Associate Professor, Chair of Department of Teacher Education (10-25-2023)

The Department Chair position is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position with teaching responsibilities in the fall and spring semesters. Responsibilities will require flexible work hours that may include evenings, weekends, and occasional travel. Attendance is required at faculty and administrative meetings including graduation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

LeTourneau University is seeking an exceptional educator and leader with a strong Christian faith to serve as Chair of the Teacher Education Department within College of Education, Arts, and Sciences. Duties include oversight of residential and online programs and teaching courses in his or her area of education expertise. This faculty member will work closely with the school dean and the campus leaders to recruit and retain students, ensure quality of the curriculum, and engage with the community for corporate and other professional partnerships.

The successful candidate will demonstrate Christian servant leadership through leading by example, prioritizing the well-being and growth of students and colleagues, and fostering a supportive and hospitable educational environment. This individual will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and advancing the department's mission in an ever-evolving educational landscape. This involves setting the direction and goals for the department, developing strategies, and inspiring and guiding faculty and staff in their roles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing visionary guidance and leadership to faculty
• Ensuring the delivery of high quality, faith-integrated programs
• Leading and managing department personnel, budget, and resources
• Overseeing program assessment and review
• Overseeing course scheduling
• Advocating for faculty, staff, students, and programs at the state level
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Additionally, the Department Chair is expected to foster collegiality, promote a positive team environment within the department, and encourage innovative practices that build on the university strategic initiatives including increasing enrollment, scholarly productivity, and curricular effectiveness.

• Genuine support of LeTourneau University’s Faith Statement and Community Covenant and enthusiasm for integrating faith and learning in the classroom
• An earned doctorate in the field of education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) from an accredited university in any of the degree programs offered by the department, or in a closely related field
• An ability to teach a wide range of education courses such as: science of teaching reading, differentiated instructional strategies for students with exceptionalities, and/or education methods courses for elementary and secondary levels
• A valid Texas teacher certificate (or eligible to apply for a Texas teacher certificate) with a minimum of three years EC-12 public-school teaching experience
• Demonstrated experience working with programs leading to initial and/or professional teaching certifications through state examinations
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching using evidence-based research practices
• Experience with EC-12 partnerships and clinical practice in teacher education
• Experience teaching in multiple environments including hybrid, face-to-face, and online
• Proficiency in educational technology to steward best practices of emerging trends in EC-12 public and private schools
• Demonstrated effective leadership experiences in higher education and/or EC-12 environments including effective communication and positive academic leadership skills
• Knowledge of the Texas Education Agency accreditation requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and previous experience overseeing higher education budgets and program assessment
• Experience in effective preparation approaches including but not limited to: clinical experiences, quality observation and coaching cycles using the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), mentor and candidate co-teaching structures, practice-based coursework, and district/educator preparation governance
• Knowledge of Texas education policies, performance assessments, procedures, and other state initiatives including Texas Administrative Code and House Bill 3 Science of Teaching Reading

Applications will be reviewed in the order received and will continue until the position is filled.

In accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, applicants for employment who are in agreement with the educational mission of LeTourneau University and applicants for admission to educational programs or activities are considered without discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, handicapping condition, national origin or genetic information.  Inquiries about this policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources, (903) 233-4170.

Applications are required and are available from https://www.letu.edu/jobs or from the Business Office, LeTourneau University, 2100 Mobberly Avenue, Longview, TX.  Send an electronic copy of a completed application, letter of interest, unofficial graduate transcripts and curriculum vitae to:

LeTourneau University is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community.

LETU is a Christ-centered, interdenominational institute of higher learning offering more than 85 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business & technology, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, nursing, psychology & counseling and theology & vocation. LETU's 2,700 students represent nearly all 50 states, more than 30 foreign countries, and around 50 different denominational groups.

LETU is consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of "America's Best Colleges," and the engineering program is ranked nationally. LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500, at http://www.sacscoc.org) to award associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. LeTourneau University's engineering and engineering technology programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: 410-347-7700. The Carnegie Foundation classifies LeTourneau University as a Master's (Comprehensive) University II.

The 162 acre main campus is located in Longview, Texas, a progressive hub city with an MSA of over 190,000, nestled among the beautiful pine-forested hills and lakes of East Texas. It is approximately 120 miles east of Dallas, Texas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana.

See https://www.letu.edu for more information.