Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs

Position Overview:

Talladega College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students who are pursuing careers as K-6 reading specialists. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of future educators who will be prepared to support literacy development in elementary schools, with a focus on students’ reading, writing, and language skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in literacy instruction, a passion for fostering student achievement, and experience in both classroom teaching and teacher preparation.

Specific Qualifications:

• Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Reading Education, Literacy, Elementary Education, or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be considered, but completion of the Ph.D. is required before appointment).
• Experience:
  • A demonstrated record of successful teaching in K-6 classrooms with a focus on reading and literacy instruction.
  • Experience as a reading specialist or literacy coach, working directly with K-6 students and teachers.
  • A strong record of research or scholarly activity in literacy education, reading intervention, or related areas is preferred.
  • Prior experience with curriculum development or teacher education is a plus.
• Other Requirements:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and school partners.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both teaching practices and the broader academic environment.
  • Expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction and the ability to apply this knowledge in teacher preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• K-12 Teaching Experience: Practical experience as a reading specialist, literacy coach, or elementary teacher, particularly in diverse classrooms.
• Research Focus: An active research agenda related to reading instruction, literacy interventions, or educational equity in literacy.
• Experience with Literacy Assessment: Knowledge and experience in assessing reading and literacy development in K-6 students, including familiarity with standardized assessments, RTI (Response to Intervention) models, and formative assessments.
• Curriculum Development: Experience developing or revising literacy curriculum to align with state standards and current best practices in reading instruction.

Job Responsibilities:

The Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs will have the following key responsibilities:

1. Teaching and Mentoring:
   • Teach undergraduate courses in reading and literacy education, including courses on reading instruction, literacy development, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and writing.
   • Provide instruction on research-based strategies for teaching reading in diverse elementary classrooms, with a focus on supporting students with a range of abilities.
   • Supervise and mentor students in their field experiences, including student teaching and internships, to develop their skills as reading specialists.
   • Advise and guide students pursuing K-6 teaching careers, particularly those specializing in literacy education.
2. Research and Scholarly Activity:
   • Maintain an active research agenda in reading and literacy education, with a focus on improving instructional strategies, interventions, and assessment practices in K-6 settings.
   • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
   • Engage in collaborative research with colleagues, local schools, and literacy organizations.
3. Curriculum and Program Development:
   • Contribute to the development, assessment, and improvement of the reading and literacy education program to ensure alignment with national and state standards for literacy education.
   • Revise and update course materials based on the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction.
   • Participate in the design and implementation of assessments to evaluate student progress in the reading specialist track.
4. Service and Community Engagement:
   • Participate in departmental, college-wide, and university committees and initiatives.
   • Engage with local K-12 schools to foster partnerships, provide professional development, and offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience as reading specialists.
   • Support outreach initiatives aimed at improving literacy outcomes in the community, particularly for underrepresented and underserved student populations.
5. Student Recruitment and Retention:
   • Assist in recruiting and retaining students in the K-6 Reading Specialist program by participating in recruitment events, outreach activities, and college fairs.
   • Develop strategies to improve student success and retention, providing guidance and support for students throughout their academic journey.
6. Professional Development:
   • Stay up-to-date with current research and trends in reading education and literacy instruction.
   • Participate in professional development opportunities through conferences, workshops, and other continuing education activities.
   • Engage with relevant professional organizations such as the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching philosophy, research interests, and vision for the K-6 Reading Specialist program.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A statement of teaching philosophy and research agenda.
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.
5. (Optional) Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as course evaluations, sample syllabi, or instructional video clips.

Application Deadline: [Insert Application Deadline]

Talladega College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER