Search for University Jobs in Curriculum & Education

JOB TITLE
Director of Teacher Preparation

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
STEM Education

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Director of Teacher Preparation is a team member of the STEM Education Center who is responsible for leading the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program, overseeing all the operations and State requirements, and managing staff associated with the program for licensure at the secondary level for mathematics, sciences, and tech/engineering.

WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applicants must have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and/or commitment to do so as an employee at WPI.

This is a non-tenure track, 9-month faculty teaching position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Lead the overall vision, strategic planning, and management of the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP)
• Maintain all data required by the State Department of Education to endorse the licensure of TPP graduates and for accreditation of the program
• Oversee the practicum placement of teacher candidates (i.e., pre-service teachers), and the hiring and managing of program supervisors (adjuncts or consultants) and supervising practitioners (i.e., mentor teachers) to support the practicum experience
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive TPP curriculum, including the hiring and managing of staff or faculty for:

• pre-practicum experiences with gateway assessments
• teaching methods with culturally responsive pedagogy
• project preparation for practicum student teaching
• practicum seminars
• senior (post-practicum) seminar
• possible new courses as deemed necessary

• Engage in strategic recruitment activities to increase the number and diversity of pre-service teachers through informational sessions and outreach to prospective and matriculated students, such as WPI Admission Open Houses, New Student Orientation, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Administer the selection and enrollment process of TPP candidates
• Advise the TPP student throughout the stages of the program (including the practicum), meeting requirements for teacher licensure, and applying for teaching positions
• Collaborate with WPI faculty, staff, departments, and programs to strengthen the TPP and to develop an academic plan for TPP students to fulfill their B.S. in a STEM discipline and to earn their initial teaching license
• Chair a TPP Committee with members that support the TPP
• Manage the annual budget for the teacher preparation program
• Support and assist in writing and managing proposals and grants relevant to the TPP
• Support the WPI Noyce Track 1 grant with promotion and management of Noyce internships and scholarships, student advising, and data collection
• Be in integrated team member of the STEM Education Center to collectively work to transform STEM education with an equity lens
• Perform other duties as needed or required

Requirements:

• Bachelors and Masters degree in STEM field, Education, or closely-related field
• At least 5 years of experience teaching science, math, or engineering at the secondary school level
• Experience with teacher licensure programs and processes
• Ability to hire and manage part time staff
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in student-centered, evidence-based strategies for equity and inclusion in STEM education
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based and current best practices of STEM education
• Strong communication skills to work with undergraduate students, mentor teachers, school administrators, and university faculty
• Experience in developing and maintaining partnerships with different stakeholders
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of diverse constituents
• Ability to expand TPP capacity for Computer Science licensure
• Ability to work in team setting to actively contribute to brainstorming, problem solving, and strategic thinking about education connected to and beyond TPP
• Ability to work autonomously and with others
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations
• Ability to provide support to students in resolving issues related to practicum
• Willingness to flex schedule to work occasional nights and weekends
• Strong managerial skills with supportive, developmental approach
• Organized and detail oriented

Preferences:

• Ph. D. in STEM field, Education, or closely-related field
• Experience with MA public school systems and Dept. of Education (DESE)
• Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice
• Experience in implementing best practices and evidence-based strategies for equity and inclusion in STEM education
• Experience with developing and delivering STEM based professional development

Please include a cover letter, minimum of three professional references, teaching philosophy statement and diversity statement to be considered for this position.

WPI requires employees to be fully-vaccinated for COVID-19 with booster. For additional information on WPI's response to COVID-19, refer to https://www.wpi.edu/we-are-wpi

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Director-of-Teacher-Preparation_R0001942

About WPI

WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI

WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.