WCU is a regional comprehensive university located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. One of 16 institutions in the University of North Carolina system, WCU enrolls approximately 8,400 students including 1600 graduate students. The Department of Elementary and Middle Grades Education includes 12 full-time faculty members and offers degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, including programs for elementary education, middle grades education, and reading. The department resides in the fully-accredited College of Education and Allied Professions.

Responsibilities: Depending on the candidate's area of expertise, the successful applicant will teach elementary or middle grades education courses in both undergraduate and graduate programs, offer service to public schools in the region, engage in scholarly activity, and perform other related duties as requested within the department, college and university.

Department Head responsibilities include providing leadership for programs and the Reading Center; recruiting, screening, and recommending the appointment of faculty; initiating recommendations on departmental personnel matters; maintaining an effective faculty evaluation system and promoting the professional development of faculty; providing for and administering departmental committees; overseeing all curriculum matters; managing the department schedule, staffing and budget; and working cooperatively with other units of the university. The department seeks a visionary leader comfortable with collaborative decision-making in a collegial environment.

Qualifications: A doctorate in Elementary or Middle Grades Education or related discipline; teaching at the university level and at least three years of K-8 teaching experience in the public schools; and eligibility for licensure in elementary or middle grades education; a significant record of  research and scholarship; and demonstrated teaching excellence.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the following experiences: using networked learning technologies, successfully obtaining grants, involvement with distance education programs, and leadership experience that demonstrates support of a constructivist perspective of learning and teaching.

Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications: The review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Applications including a letter of application, current vita, graduate transcripts, and three letters of reference to should be submitted at http://jobs.wcu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=50826 . Questions may be directed to Dr. Jacque Jacobs, Professor and Department Head , Educational Leadership and Foundations, Chair, Search Committee, 250 Killian Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723-9039; telephone 828-227-7415; email jjacobs@email.wcu.edu

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States. Western Carolina University is an equal opportunity employer and minorities are encouraged to apply.