Job Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education

Department:

Requisition No:

Date Posted:

Summary

Under the general direction of the Education Department Chair, the full-time assistant/associate professor of special education beginning January 2010 will teach undergraduate students in special education methods courses and graduate students in research and curriculum courses; advising students; serving on committees within the department and the College; and participating in departmental preparation for NCATE accreditation visits.  Criteria for promotion, tenure and reappointment are teaching effectiveness, scholarly achievement, and service to the College. Preference given to those possessing background in both special education and early childhood. 

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Teaching/Facilitation

• Teach undergraduate students in special education methods courses and graduate students in research and curriculum courses.
• Advise students as needed.
• Serve on committees within the department and the College.
• Participate in departmental preparation for NCATE accreditation visits.
• Demonstrates an ability or potential for quality teaching, scholarly research, and service.
• Plans course syllabus and assignments for semester of study to meet Hood College and departmental curriculum requirements utilizing a variety of teaching techniques.
• Evaluates students' learning styles, interests, aptitudes, temperament, and individual characteristics to determine suitable level of instruction and assignments.
• Instructs students in course content and provides learning opportunities in and out of the classroom to achieve course objectives.
• Encourages class participation and provides assistance as appropriate to students in completing class assignments.  Manages classroom interactions and establishes and maintains a climate that encourages learning.
• Critiques performance on various assignments to measure the quality of learning, to build thinking skills, to challenge students’ assumptions, and to reinforce concepts, which may include practical application of new skills.
• Maintains regular office hours and contact with students as appropriate. Works with student to address problems and resolve issues.
• Accompanies students on field trips or other off-campus learning opportunities as appropriate.
• Determines grades for assignments and for overall achievement in class.  Provides appropriate documentation of grades to students and department as appropriate.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Conducts field specific research to enhance general body of knowledge and provide publication opportunities
• Presents research findings and other academic papers at national or professional conferences  

• Supports and participates in college committees and/or professional organizations to develop professional partnerships and meet academic needs of the institution.
• Supports the College initiatives to recruit and retain talented students.
• Acts as an active member of the Hood College community.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities as they may occur for directing student workers or graduate assistants in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, and training student workers; appraising performance; addressing concerns and resolving problems.

Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrates the following competencies:

• Discipline Mastery:  Strong knowledge of subject matter; strong research skills; on-going interaction and/or development of skills related to discipline. 
• Teaching Mastery:  Strong knowledge of current learning theory and appropriate teaching methodology for diverse student populations.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.  Presents classroom lectures that are coherent and logical.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the academic work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: Commits resources necessary to assist students to reach goals.
• Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Doctorate in educational administration, curriculum or supervision and have significant Pre-K-12 teaching experience at the school-based level in the public schools required.  Preference will be given to those possessing background in both special education and early childhood education.

Technology Skills

Proficiency in office productivity suite software (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet. Ability to use available instructional technology resources to effectively teach in a manner conducive to classroom presentation including, but not limited to, use of audio visual equipment, computer, educational software, etc.

Language Skills

Proficiency in the communication of key concepts for the specific discipline in the English language and ability to assist students with English as a secondary language. Ability to read and interpret documents such as research studies, administrative policies, and journals, newspapers, etc. Ability to write lesson plans, respond to email messages, create routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students, faculty, staff, and other constituencies.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts as appropriate for particular discipline.  Higher-level concepts may be required for some disciplines.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to hypothesize, draw conclusions, and support conclusions. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

Qualified candidates may apply by sending a letter of application, including a statement of teaching and research interests, a transcript for the doctorate from the awarding institution, current vitae and three letters of reference to Janet Ambrose, Ed.D., Department of Education, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD  21701.  Fax and e-mail will not be accepted. Deadline for receipt of applications is October 30, 2009. 

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 312), (301) 696-3592.  For complete information on Hood College’s nondiscrimination policy, please visit www.hood.edu/non-discrimination

(revised 9/17/09)