Description
Assistant Professor of Literacy Education
Hood College
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the department chair, this full-time tenure-track faculty position will teach literacy methods and assessment courses in both the graduate and undergraduate education programs beginning August 1, 2026. They will advise undergraduate and graduate students and regularly perform other service obligations to the education department and to the College. They will maintain a research agenda that is clear and targeted. Successful candidates will possess an earned doctoral degree in reading/literacy and have both practical and philosophical experience and expertise in historical, philosophical, and social perspectives in education related to effective teaching and learning. College level teaching experience, especially in reading/literacy education, is preferred. Preference will be shown to candidates with prior U.S. public-school teaching experience.
Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Essential Functions/Primary Job Responsibilities:
Teaching (60%)
The faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, with a primary focus on PreK-grade 6 literacy education. Undergraduate courses are typically offered during the day and are in-person on campus, during the fall and spring semesters. Graduate courses are currently all online and offered year- round, one evening a week, either synchronously or asynchronously, at the discretion of the instructor.
Plan course syllabi/assignments to meet Hood College and departmental curriculum requirements.
Critique students’ performance on various assignments to measure the quality of learning, build thinking skills, challenge students’ assumptions, and reinforce concepts to include practical application of new skills.
Determine grades for assignments and overall achievement in class. Provide appropriate documentation of grades to students throughout the semester, including by providing formal midterm and final grades.
Utilize digital and electronic platforms such as Blackboard and Anthology Portfolio (Chalk & Wire) for instruction, record keeping, and data collection purposes.
Maintain regular office hours, mentor students, and work with students to address problems and resolve issues.
Serve as the academic advisor for undergraduate and graduate students.
Director of Reading Specialization Program: The faculty member will serve as Director of the Reading Specialization graduate program. As part of this role, the faculty member must be available each July to coordinate the Summer Reading Clinic associated with the program. Responsibilities related to directing the program and coordinating the clinic may count toward the faculty member’s annual 21-credit teaching load or be compensated through supplemental pay, as determined by the department chair and Provost, in consultation with the faculty member. Should the Reading Specialization program be discontinued, the faculty position will remain, and the faculty member will continue to teach literacy/reading courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as other courses as needed.
Service (20%)
The faculty member will provide service to the department and the College. Common examples of service in the Department of Education include, but are not limited to, advising students, supporting department initiatives and events, supporting Admissions events, active membership on department and College committees, directing programs as needed, and supporting the department’s accreditation process. As stated above, this faculty member will direct the reading specialization graduate program as one aspect of their service to the department and the College.
Scholarship (20%)
The faculty member will routinely engage in scholarship activities, including conducting research and disseminating research and academic papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. Engaging in scholarship with students is highly encouraged.
Weekly Work Hours: 37.5, 10-month contract
Requirements
Qualifications
We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
PhD or equivalent with a focus on literacy or reading education
Knowledge of current research in the field of literacy education
PreK-grade 8 public school teaching experience in the United States preferred
Previous college teaching experience preferred
Technology Skills
Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems such as the Blackboard Learning Management System and department-specific software applications.
Language Skills
Strong English oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions and inquiries from both external and internal stakeholders in person, through email and by phone.
Mathematical Skills
Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in the theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use fingers, hands, reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is required to sit. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment
The work environment described here is representative of what an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level is usually moderate and could include interaction with other employees, students, the public, telephones, and other office equipment.
