26-119 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of School Counselor Education

Position Summary

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Counselor Education invites applicants for a Full-time, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of School Counselor Education position. The position begins in August 2026.

West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The mission of Department of Counselor Education, part of the College of Education and Social Work, is to develop counselors who have professional identities as reflective and ethical practitioners with a focus on diversity, advocacy, and a holistic approach to wellness and mental health. The Department houses CACREP accredited programs in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The College of Education and Social Work is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, CAEP. This accreditation covers both initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. Learn more about West Chester University's Department of Counselor Education.

The faculty position involves teaching graduate courses in the Counselor Education program. The typical teaching load involves teaching three courses per semester. Courses are typically offered in a face-to-face format as well as online, hybrid, and/or via distance education as necessary. The ideal candidate will use innovative teaching skills and demonstrate strong attention to the learning needs of our students. The candidate's expertise and experience will strengthen the department's impact on students, and the faculty member will also collaborate with colleagues and staff to ensure student success. The incumbent will complete a distance education training program within the first two years of hire.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach graduate level courses in counselor education with specific focus on school counseling and core counseling coursework. Additional courses may be assigned based on area of specialization depending on department needs.
• Provide supervision to school counseling students
• Develop a defined research program. This is a requirement for tenure and promotion.
• Advise students
• Serve in Department activities (including assessment and accreditation activities), University and College committees, and Professional Counseling Organizations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned CACREP-accredited master's degree in school counseling or closely related field
• At least 10 years of experience as a professional school counselor within the last 15 years
• Identification with the counseling profession (such as: sustained memberships in professional organizations, maintenance of counseling licenses, advocacy for the profession, professional development, and/or scholarly activity in the profession)
• Experience teaching school counseling and core courses in a face-to-face modality
• Active program of research and scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Counselor Education or a closely related field from a CACREP accredited program. ABD may be considered - must be completed by December 2026; and/or
• Experience teaching graduate-level school counseling coursework; and/or
• Experience teaching other graduate-level CACREP coursework; and/or
• Possess PA licensure as a professional school counselor; and/or
• Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and trends within the field of professional school counseling; and/or
• Experience supervising school counseling fieldwork students; and/or
• A record of scholarship in the professional counseling field, commensurate with experience; and/or
• Leadership experience serving at the Department, College, University, and/or Professional level, and/or
• Experience with student learning outcomes and program assessment

Special Instructions

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continues until the position is filled. In accordance with applicable collective agreement, this posting may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates. 

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered a finalist. This will include a research/scholarly presentation and teaching demonstration.

Required Documents for Consideration

As an applicant, submit the following:

• Letter of interest - address position requirement and responsibilities
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy: Each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some issues you might address could include the following:

1. How would you describe your andragogical perspective?
2. What deliberate steps have you taken in your teaching to meet the needs of diverse learners?
3. What issues or trends do you see in the counseling profession that need to be addressed in your teaching?

• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required later for employment.)
• List of three (3) references with contact information (Name, Email, and Telephone Number).
• Service Statement (see below):

West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU GRADUATES WILL:

• Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
• Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
• Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
• Engage inclusively in a diverse society
• Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS: 

To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:

• Access to learning
• Community and cultural engagement
• Continuous improvement
• Critical thinking
• Inclusion
• Scholarly and creative activities
• Sustainability

Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)

Engagement with the Campus Community

• Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?

Mentorship and Student Support

• How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.

Outreach and Community Involvement

• Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?

Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions

• How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?

Research and Scholarship Impact

• In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.