Lecturer of Literacy and Learning

Job Details

Position Purpose:

The School of Education at Aurora University seeks candidates to fill a full time Lecturer position in the field of Literacy and Learning (P-12). Primary responsibility includes teaching mostly undergraduate courses in literacy addressing P-12 levels, that require emphasis of literacy pedagogy, theoretical frameworks for learning, and strong knowledge in current trends in literacy instruction.

The School of Education invites applications for a nine-month faculty appointment with additional responsibilities as a coordinator of the Elementary Education program in the School of Education compensated as a stipend for summer work.

The role includes coordination responsibilities under the direction of the Chair of Initial Licensure and collaboration with school districts and institutional partners throughout the state of Illinois.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events. 5. Demonstrates strong leadership abilities with documented experience leading teams effectively, designing and overseeing the implementation of curricula, facilitating innovative program development, as well as academic schedule and program management.

Essential Job Functions:

• Teaching and Instruction
  • Teaching 16-credit hours per academic year and eight-hours of reassigned time.
  • Deliver instruction in campus-based, online, and hybrid formats. Participate in curriculum development and continuous instructional improvement.
  • Attending University, college and departmental meetings.
• Program Leadership and Coordination
  • Support the implementation and ongoing operation of the Elementary Education program under the direction of the Chair of Initial Licensure.
  • Ensure accuracy and quality of catalog, website, and program materials.
  • Monitor changes in university, college, and ISBE policies that impact the Elementary Education program.
  • Coordinate program reviews, assessment activities, and accreditation-related reporting.
• Student Support and Advising
  • Advise Elementary Education students regarding program progression and licensure requirements.
  • Conduct orientation sessions for campus-based and online cohorts.
  • Monitor student academic progress and initiate interventions as needed.
  • Review disposition forms and participate in student review processes.
  • Process grade appeals and special petitions in collaboration with appropriate offices.
  • Coordinate with advisors regarding student registration and academic planning.
• Curriculum, Assessment and Accreditation
  • Provide oversight of existing curriculum and key program assignments.
  • Coordinate learning outcome assessment implementation and data analysis.
  • Maintain curricular and program documents, including manuals, handbooks, and promotional materials.
  • Collect and review course syllabi to ensure compliance with institutional and college policies.
• Faculty Staffing and Development
  • Staff campus-based and online Elementary Education and related Literacy education courses.
  • Recruit, orient, mentor, and evaluate part-time faculty teaching in the Elementary Education program.
  • Support adjunct faculty hiring and contract processes for fall, spring, and summer terms.
  • Convene meetings with adjunct faculty as needed and encourage engagement in university life.
  • Maintain accurate faculty teaching load and service records.
• Enrollment, Recruitment, and Partnerships
  • Collaborate with enrollment staff to recruit and retain students.
  • Engage with prospective students and families during recruitment events.
  • Develop and implement strategies to support student retention.
  • Collaborate with school districts and institutional partners to support program goals and field experiences
• Institutional Service and Collaboration
  • Attend university, college, and departmental meetings.
  • Participate in faculty development activities.
  • Contribute to institutional service consistent with faculty expectations.
  • Work collaboratively with campus partners to support student success.
  • Advocate for diverse constituency groups and assist in conflict resolution as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Education required.
• Doctoral Degree in Education or ABD status preferred.
• Current Professional Educator License (K-6 Elementary Education) in the State of Illinois required.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience post Master’s degree in P-12 education at the district-level is required.
• Prior experience as a practitioner within the Illinois Public School system is required.
• Minimum of two years of teaching in higher education highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois State Learning Standards.

Skills:

• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets institutional requirements is required.
• Requires travel between campus locations or to attend off-site meetings.
• Experience with campus-based and online instruction. • Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of common educational technologies and computer systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work with a computer for long periods of the day.
• Ability to attend off campus meetings.
• Office setting, standing, walking, sitting.

Work Hours: Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Hybrid or work from home employment will be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to fulfill this role effectively off-site.

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $65,000-$70,000 per year. This compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the university, based on institutional needs.