Visiting Professor of Literacy and Learning
Aurora University

Job Info

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Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples' lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Aurora University seeks talented faculty who are passionate about teaching and learning. As a private institution, Aurora University expects faculty to be involved in the lives of students through mentoring, student support, enrollment initiatives, and other activities related to the college experience. To facilitate this highly interactive faculty/student relationship, the typical teaching load is three 4 credit-hour courses per semester. Student advising is supported by professional staff. Undergraduate faculty share in the delivery of the general education program, most often by teaching within the university's interdisciplinary core. Evidence of successful teaching, or a strong potential for successful teaching, is required for all positions. Experience teaching at a smaller, private institution is highly preferred.

Position Purpose: The Visiting Professor of Literacy and Learning supports student learning by utilizing expertise in reading, literacy, and learning in education. As a member of the School of Education in the College of Education and Social Work, the visiting professor will support learning by participating in curricular development, program assessment, student advising, student groups, and institutional service and scholarship per the requirements of the Faculty Handbook. As a participating member of the faculty, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in the activities of the university and department, including recruiting, mentoring, and other services.

Essential Job Functions: The School of Education at Aurora University seeks candidates to fill a Visiting Professor position in the field of Literacy Learning (K-12). Primary responsibility includes teaching mostly undergraduate courses in reading and literacy addressing K-12 levels, that require emphasis of literacy pedagogy, theoretical frameworks for learning, and strong knowledge in current trends in literacy instruction. Additional responsibilities include scholarly and creative activity (including peer-reviewed publications, grant writing, conference presentations, etc.), program development and assessment, and professional service. Faculty will integrate AU's commitment to diversity and create a learning environment that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all students.

Education faculty are expected to demonstrate a commitment to a constructivist philosophy, keep abreast of current and emerging education trends (e.g., performance-based program assessment, educational technology), and possess an understanding and commitment to the principles of diversity.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education: Doctorate or terminal degree in Education (K-12), Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy Education, or closely related field. ABD accepted.Experience: Five years of K-12 teaching experience.Skills: Demonstrated ability to serve a diverse population and apply an equity lens to this position including social justice and/or anti-racism. Demonstrate commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Demonstrated effective written, oral communication, and/or presentation skills. Ability to teach multiple elementary education courses. Evidence of successful teaching practices at the university level. Creative or scholarly interests that will advance the mission and goals of the programs of Aurora University.Physical Requirements: Capable of sitting, standing, and moving about campus. Must possess computer use.

All benefit-eligible faculty positions offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, life, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission. Applications must include a letter of intent including description of education, certifications held, and all relevant experience, current curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references including phone numbers (candidates will be notified prior to references being contacted). Electronic applications welcomed.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Please submit application materials as follows:

Hardcopy submissions:
Faculty Search, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Aurora University
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506

Electronic submissions:
facultysearch@aurora.edu

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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