Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.
The SLU School of Education is seeking a passionate and innovative Director of Student Support for the Rising Teachers Program (Visiting Assistant Professor). In this pivotal role, the Director will provide essential support to students from historically marginalized schools and communities across the St. Louis region, guiding them through the completion of the Rising Teachers Program as they work toward earning their bachelor’s degree in teaching and teaching certification. The Rising Teachers Program is a groundbreaking pilot initiative that collaborates with diverse school districts to empower individuals with associate’s degrees—who are already working in educational settings—to earn a full teaching degree within two years.
The Director will also be responsible for assisting in organizing program elements, course design and instruction, and serves as a student support advisor for the Rising Teachers. This position will contribute to the School of Education’s mission to develop well-prepared, socially conscious educators who are ready to serve diverse communities and advocate for educational equity.
Position Summary:
This is a full-time, 18-month, non-tenure track faculty position within the SLU School of Education, offering a unique opportunity to blend academic instruction and student support. The position is grant-funded, with the potential for renewal. The role involves collaborating with program leadership to oversee the Rising Teachers Program, serving as the academic advisor for all enrolled students, addressing student needs as they arise, and teaching within the undergraduate teacher preparation program as necessary. The position requires close collaboration with faculty, school partners, and support staff to ensure comprehensive and effective support for our pre-service teachers, fostering their academic success and professional development.
Responsibilities:
Student Support
- Collaborate with faculty to assess and review student application materials for admission into the Rising Teachers Program, ensuring alignment with program criteria.
- Provide responsive support to students, addressing inquiries and assisting with coursework, field experience, program-related questions, personal challenges, and any other needs to enhance their academic success.
- Guide students in navigating the learning management system (Canvas), offering basic technical support and troubleshooting to ensure a smooth online learning experience.
Academic Advising
- Design and implement comprehensive student coursework roadmaps for both Elementary and Special Education degree pathways, ensuring clarity on degree requirements and progression.
- Facilitate quarterly meetings with students to review academic progress, guide course selection, discuss roadmaps, and provide career planning support.
- Collaborate with the university registrar to manage student records, facilitate the transfer and articulation of previous credits, and ensure accurate course registration for upcoming terms.
Academic Support
- Participate as a member of the internal evaluation team, contributing to the maintenance of a comprehensive database of program data, and identifying strategies to enhance the quality of the program. Provide actionable feedback to students, faculty, and administrators, ensuring that programs, policies, and curricula are effectively achieving their intended outcomes
- Support the course evaluation process by gathering and analyzing feedback to inform continuous improvement of course content, teaching methods, and student experiences.
Administrative Organization
- Coordinate and execute events for the Rising Teachers Program, ensuring seamless planning and successful delivery.
- Manage procurement and inventory, ensuring timely preparation and availability of materials and resources to support program activities.
- Create and maintain comprehensive student information documents to enhance program effectiveness and streamline communication.
Certification and Compliance
- Support students with certification requirements and coordinate with the School of Education’s certification officer to ensure compliance with Missouri and other state standards.
- Guide students through certification processes, from initial application to completion, and provide regular updates on certification policies and changes.
Teaching and Scholarship
- Teach undergraduate courses within the School of Education’s Rising Teachers Program, delivering engaging and effective lessons that support student learning and foster professional growth.
- Collaborate in the development and design of courses for the Rising Teachers Program, including the creation of course outcomes, content, assignments, and resources, while ensuring alignment with the Missouri Educator Evaluation Standards (MEES).
- Engage in scholarly activities, including research, publication, and presentation, that contribute to the field of teacher education and teacher support systems.
Service and Engagement
- Participate actively in faculty meetings, program development, and service activities within the School of Education.
- Collaborate with other faculty and departments to contribute to the overall mission and strategic goals of SLU’s teacher preparation programs.
Qualifications and Experience:
Minimum Qualifications
- One or both of the following degree completions.
- To be hired as an instructor: Master’s degree in education or a related field by the start date.
- To be hired as an assistant professor: Doctorate in education or a related field by the start date.
- At least three years of successful K-12 teaching experience, with a focus on high-need and/or urban settings.
- Experience in teacher preparation, including field supervision and/or mentoring of new teachers.
- Knowledge of teacher certification processes and experience supporting certification requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate in education or a related field by the start date.
- Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems, and other technologies commonly used in higher education student support services.
- Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Experience working in environments that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in student support services.
Context:
Saint Louis University (SLU), established 1818, is the oldest institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River and is a world-class Catholic, Jesuit institution educating nearly 13,000 students. SLU’s 230-acre urban campus is in midtown Saint Louis, providing students, faculty, and staff a close-knit community in the middle of a lively city. The Saint Louis metro region is home to nearly 3 million people and provides a mix of midwestern friendliness and large-city amenities.
The School of Education (SOE) shares in the 470-year-old Jesuit tradition of excellence in education focusing on the growth of the whole person. The purpose of Jesuit education is to develop women and men for and with others. Saint Louis University, and the School of Education, is committed to intellectual rigor and the use of knowledge for the betterment of our local, national, and international communities. The School is recognized as a leader in the state and region. More than 30 percent of the public-school superintendents in Missouri and approximately 40 percent of all Catholic school leaders in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis hold degrees from SLU. This academic year, the SLU School of Education is celebrating 100 years of educating educators.
As a Jesuit institution, SLU is committed to inclusivity and anti-racism. In a letter to SLU Alumni in June 2020, President Fred Pestello wrote, “We are all called to do better – to be better. Racism has no place at Saint Louis University. Our Jesuit mission calls us to be people for and with others, and as I have said before, solidarity and community mean that we never have to face such evil alone.” The School of Education at SLU has a unique opportunity to carry out our Jesuit mission every day. The faculty in the SOE are training and educating the next generation of leaders who work collaboratively to identify and dismantle systems that perpetuate inequities and injustice.
Salary and Starting Date: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with rank and experience. The proposed starting date is January 2025.
Application Process: Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and names of three references with full contact information. All applications should be submitted online at Saint Louis University Careers website. For full consideration, all applications should be submitted by December 8th, at which time the search committee will begin the review of applications. This search will remain open until filled.
Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non‐merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314‐977‐5847.
Function
Faculty - NonMedical Administrative Appointment, Nonmedical Primary Appointment 12 mo.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.
