"Dean of the School of Education"

Job Details

Dean of the School of Education

Full-time/40 Hours per Week

Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Hiring Department

School of Education

Location

University of Texas at Tyler: Tyler, Texas. This position does not allow for remote work.

Required Application Materials

A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.

Important Instructions:

When prompted to upload your "resume", upload your combined documents as one file.

• Please do not upload documents to "Cover Letter" or "References".

If the required application materials were not uploaded at the "resume" prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.

Job Summary

The Dean of the School of Education will be a transformative, innovative, and nationally visible leader who can translate a bold institutional vision into measurable impact. The successful candidate will lead one of the most ambitious educator-preparation redesign efforts in Texas, building a school that serves as a statewide model for solving the teacher workforce crisis through innovation, practice-based preparation, and deep community partnership.

The Dean will provide visionary and strategic leadership to reimagine how educators are recruited, trained, and supported - bringing together evidence-based practice, workforce-aligned pathways, and powerful collaborations with school districts, policymakers, and philanthropic partners.

Candidates from a variety of high-impact backgrounds - academic, district leadership, nonprofit, or education technology - are encouraged to apply, provided they bring demonstrated success in driving large-scale educational transformation, organizational growth, and cross-sector collaboration.

Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks

• Lead the transformation and growth of the School of Education, aligning programs and partnerships with UT Tyler's strategic goals and a bold vision to position the School as a national leader in high-quality, practice-based teacher preparation that strengthens the regional workforce, advances educational excellence statewide, and expands opportunity in rural and underserved communities.
• Execute a comprehensive plan to expand enrollment, increase program diversity and flexibility, and dramatically grow the number of certified and high-persistence teachers produced annually.
• Build innovative, practice-based pathways including residencies, apprenticeships, and competency-based models for paraprofessionals, career changers, and first-generation college students
• Cultivate and sustain deep partnerships with K-12 districts, charter and private schools, higher education institutions, and community organizations across East Texas and beyond.
• Engage with state and national policymakers, foundations, and education networks to advance the School's role as a thought leader in rural education and teacher pipeline development.
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture that encourages creativity, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making across all programs and operations.
• Partner with the university Advancement Office to secure philanthropic and legislative support.
• Lead the modernization of the School's facilities, aligning the physical environment with its innovative academic mission.
• Recruit, inspire, and develop exceptional faculty and staff committed to student success and community impact.
• Serve as a public advocate and ambassador for the School of Education, articulating its story and impact with authenticity and vision at local, state, and national levels.

Required Education/Experience

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) or terminal degree in education, leadership, or a related field; or equivalent professional achievement in a leadership role that demonstrates comparable expertise.
• Record of leadership in education, public service, policy, or educational entrepreneurship.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, innovation, and strategic growth.
• Experience in building partnerships across sectors, especially with school districts and community organizations.

Preferred Education / Experience

• Evidence of research excellence and success with external funding.
• Experience leading major transformation efforts in teacher preparation, K-12 leadership, or education innovation.
• Background as a superintendent, senior higher education leader, nonprofit CEO, or education technology entrepreneur.
• Record of national-level visibility or influence in shaping educator preparation, workforce development, or education reform.
• Proven success in securing external funding or legislative support for educational initiatives.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Visionary leadership and a track record of successfully executing complex, large-scale educational or organizational transformation.
• Deep understanding of teacher preparation, competency-based education, and education innovation (academic, applied, or entrepreneurial).
• Demonstrated capacity to grow enrollment, programs, or organizations through creative program design and strategic partnerships.
• Strong financial acumen and resource development skills, including fundraising, legislative engagement, and strategic grant acquisition.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities with faculty, district leaders, legislators, donors, and students.
• Capacity to inspire a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Familiarity with state and national accreditation, licensure, and workforce policy environments.
• Strong commitment to shared governance and collaborative leadership.

About The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.

Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.

Our beautiful Tyler campus features more than 200 acres nestled along a lake and surrounded by thick pine and oak forests, providing a picturesque location for study and recreation. We also offer instructional sites at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and in Palestine, Longview, and Houston.

With more than 80 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs offered, UT Tyler provides a wealth of learning opportunities and dynamic programs.

For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about/.

Additional Information

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.