Department Head, Early, Elementary, and Reading Education, JMU

Department Head, Early, Elementary, and Reading Education, James Madison University

The College of Education at James Madison University invites applications for the position of Department Head for Early, Elementary, and Reading Education (EERE). The EERE Department is committed to the preparation of educators and others who teach and serve children birth through sixth grade and their families in a diverse society. The department offers 5-year initial licensure programs in Inclusive Early Childhood Education (birth-3rd grade); Elementary Education (PreK-6); a post-baccalaureate MAT in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3); and a Reading Specialist M.Ed. program—all of which are aligned with SPA standards and endorsements approved by the Virginia Department of Education and NCATE.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Deep working and theoretical knowledge of contemporary teacher education practices, policies, and trends as reflected in the department’s licensure and endorsement programs;

  • Substantive administrative and leadership experience demonstrating an ability to effectively manage short and long term projects involving institutional colleagues and school-based partners that span multiple venues;

  • Experience working collaboratively with school divisions and attuned to their needs and current legislative initiatives that influence them;

  • Recognition as a skilled educator whose experiential base is firmly grounded in teacher education and supporting the professional growth and development of beginning and experienced teachers;

  • Communication and human relationship skills conducive to a collegial, productive, and efficient work environment;

  • Defined area of scholarship that complements the mission of the EERE department, the College of Education, and JMU.

  • Attained (minimally) rank of Associate Professor with tenure at an institution commensurate in size and stature to James Madison University;

  • Ability to promote and equitably facilitate faculty and staff support and development;

  • Experience developing and implementing faculty mentorship initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a teacher education program;

  • Experience directing multiple programs within the context of a larger organization.

Responsibilities

  • Provide academic leadership in program conceptualization and evaluation, and curriculum development;

  • Facilitate enhancement of the department’s reputation at all levels;

  • Supervise support staff to facilitate department operations;

  • Evaluate faculty and staff accomplishments and performance;

  • Advocate for departmental resources;

  • Teach courses within one’s area of expertise;

  • Complete other duties assigned by the Dean of the College of Education.

The successful applicant will have an earned doctorate in an area of early, elementary, or reading education or a closely related field. Applicants should possess at least three years of PreK-6 teaching or comparable experience in education and familiarity with evidence-based practices within the education profession. Applicants should provide evidence of teaching effectiveness, scholarship, and the ability to work collaboratively in partnership with colleagues, both internal and external to the University.

To Apply

Position begins July 1, 2012. Interested applicants must apply online at joblink.jmu.edu (reference posting #0404370). Additional information about the position is posted on the joblink site. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Steve Purcell at purcelsl@jmu.edu or to Dr. Laura Desportes at desporlx@jmu.edu.

Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until filled.

 

James Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/equal access employer and especially encourages applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
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