Chair, Department of Teaching and Leading

The College of Education (COE) invites applications for Chair of the Department of Teaching and Leading. The department seeks a visionary leader to support its growth. The Department of Teaching and Leading is a unique combination of initial certification programs (elementary, middle grades, secondary, and special education), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program (Master and initial certification combined), online Masters' programs in Instruction (M.Ed.), Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership, and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership. Additionally, the department offers several endorsements and certificate only programs at the graduate level. These vibrant innovative programs are meeting the needs of 21st century educators and leaders throughout the state of Georgia and beyond.

The department prides itself on excellence in teaching, close interaction with students through advising, mentoring of graduate researchers, cross-disciplinary interaction with faculty from other departments, and peer support/collaboration. The faculty engage in a variety of research projects ranging from examining social justice issues in social studies curriculum, access to education for foster children, exploring multi-sensory environments for early childhood learning, value-creation in education, and engaging prospective teachers in scientific modeling and empathetic design.

Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Education, the Chair will be a dynamic and accomplished leader who will offer outstanding governance in departmental administrative, financial, and programmatic components. The Chair will further develop a climate for continued growth of the educational, research, and service missions of the department. Additional duties will include advocating for the department faculty, staff, and students; supporting and working with the Associate Dean in the accreditation process; and managing and allocating resources.

Principal Responsibilities

• Oversees all departmental activities, consults with faculty in outlining and promoting internal departmental policies; ensures compliance with departmental, college, university, and Board of Regents (BOR) policies.
• Assumes responsibility for the quality of the instruction, research, and service programs conducted in the department and presents an annual report to the Dean of the College outlining both targeted and accomplished teaching, research, and service activities of the department.
• Provides mentoring and support to promote career advancement of department faculty, conducts annual assessments of progress toward identified goals, and assists in identifying resources to foster continued growth and development.
• Recruits part time faculty to support instruction.
• Serves as a liaison to other departments and offices of the university, as well as represents the department in all official communications with senior leaders, students, and alumni.
• Oversees the assignment of teaching, schedules, and other duties within the department and maintains an equitable and mutually agreeable distribution of assignments.
• In accordance with University and Board of Regents policies, participates in the recommendation of appointment and reappointment, promotion and tenure, and dismissal or non-renewal of members of the faculty.
• Administers the annual budget in consultation with the administrative team and business office staff. Upon approval, reviews the budget with departmental faculty.
• Initiates and maintains standards which ensure the appropriate expenditure of departmental funds and appropriate care and use of departmental property.
• Collaborates with other members of the COE Administrative team in leadership and management of college operations, strategic assessment, planning and resource allocation, design and execution of faculty support systems, and implementation of continuous quality improvement processes.
• Promotes the development of interdisciplinary programs of research and actively recruits new faculty in nascent or under-represented areas of research demonstrating a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Leadership ability developed through prior experiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

An earned doctorate in an education-related field aligned with Teaching and Leading. Demonstrates an ongoing record of scholarly work commensurate with the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure.

The ideal candidate will have these attributes:

• Experience in program and curricular development, budget and personnel management, student recruitment and retention, grant writing, and assessment.
• A proven leader in team building who can recruit, develop, and mentor top-notch individuals capable of supporting future growth.
• Proven track record as a problem solver and the ability to implement innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
• Outstanding communication skills which include written, oral, listening, and public speaking.
• Ability to forge and reinforce effective relationships with internal/external constituencies.
• Experience in working with an executive leadership team, supervision of staff in a complex organization, and management of multifaceted programs.
• Strong teaching record.
• Comprehensive and broad understanding of current trends in higher education.

The Department Chair should be a strategic thinker - a visionary leader who thrives in a challenging environment and is clearly aligned with the Augusta University values of:

• Collegiality - reflected in collaboration, partnership, sense of community, and teamwork.
• Compassion - reflected in caring, empathy, and social responsibility.
• Excellence - reflected in distinction, effectiveness, efficiency, enthusiasm, passion, and quality.
• Inclusivity - reflected in diversity, equality, fairness, impartiality, and respect.
• Integrity - reflected in accountability, ethical behavior, honesty, and reliability.
• Leadership - reflected in courage, honor, professionalism, transparency, and vision.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in Urban or Rural educational settings

The Application Process

Applicants should upload a letter of interest, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference as one PDF at Chair, Department of Teaching and Leading . Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. Inquiries and nominations may be submitted to executivesearch@augusta.edu .

The final candidate will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree in the form of an original transcript. Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

Augusta University is an AA/EEO/Equal Access/ADA Employer.