Tenure Track Position - Literacy Education

  • California Polytechnic State University
  • San Luis Obispo, California
  • Mar 07, 2024
Education and Training

Job Description

Job Summary

The School of Education in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications to fill a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position in literacy education, with appointment beginning September 16, 2024.

The teaching assignment may include literacy methods courses, clinical practice seminar, student teacher supervision, and other classes in the Multiple Subject (Elementary Education) Teacher Preparation Program ( https://soe.calpoly.edu/content/multiple-subject-program ). We invite applicants whose expertise, teaching and scholarship have made or demonstrate the potential for contributions in one or more of the following areas:
  • early literacy and language development in culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities;
  • equitable and effective approaches to literacy and/or biliteracy instruction in the preschool through elementary years; and/or
  • the preparation of preschool and elementary grade teachers of literacy and/or biliteracy in inclusive settings.

Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; higher ranks will be considered. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected.
  • If appointed at the Assistant Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $86,508 - $96,408.
  • If appointed at the Associate Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $102,648 - $106,740.

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community that reflects and serves the population of California. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study. Cal Poly seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all our students, including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. Cal Poly seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to maintain the excellence of the University and to offer our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. The successful candidate will be mindful to promote student success, especially for students from historically excluded communities. Successful candidates should consider the University’s goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their approach to teaching, research, and service.

Cal Poly embraces a teacher-scholar model in which faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, produce scholarship in their field of interest, and provide service to the institution. The selected candidate will consider using creative teaching approaches that enhance student learning and participate in scholarly practices such as peer-reviewed research, conference, presentations, and grant development that leads to publication. The selected candidate will pursue a systematic program of research and scholarship, curricular improvement, and participate in service activities including committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Literacy Education, or a related field (e.g., education with emphasis on elementary and early childhood language and literacy, bilingualism and biliteracy, linguistic justice, multilingual learning, critical literacies, raciolinguistics, and/or applied linguistics), is required prior to the start date of the appointment.
  • Teaching experience in early childhood, preschool, and/or elementary grades in a traditional and/or nontraditional educational setting; or have a strong line of applied research that works closely with children in classrooms or other educational settings.
  • The focus of an individual's research specialization is open to one or more of the following areas:
    • early literacy and language development in culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities;
    • equitable and effective approaches to literacy and/or biliteracy instruction in the preschool through elementary years; and/or
    • the preparation of preschool and elementary grade teachers of literacy and/or biliteracy in inclusive settings.
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
  • Must provide evidence of (or potential for) high quality teaching and research with students.
  • Must provide evidence of (or potential for) scholarly productivity.
  • Must provide evidence of (or potential for) promoting diversity and inclusivity in higher education as well as a dedication to the well-being and advancement of students, colleagues, and the department.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English.
  • Experience working effectively with children and families/caretakers from diverse linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Evidence of excellence in teaching to undergraduates, pre-service teachers, and/or in-service educators.
  • Knowledge and experience in working with bilingual and emergent bilingual learners, particularly in rural settings.
  • Strong knowledge of the field of linguistic justice and/or critical literacies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice, linguistic and cultural diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
  • Experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Expertise in an area compatible with or broadening the research activities of the department.
  • Experience supervising student research.

Special Conditions

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offere d positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

About the Department

The School of Education (SOE) offers a variety of post-baccalaureate teaching credentials, an advanced credential, and four master’s degrees. As an interdisciplinary unit, the SOE delivers its programs in partnership with eight departments across three colleges, and nearly 50 school districts and county offices of education in our expanded service area. The SOE also works closely with other departments including Child Development and other BCSM units focused on Teacher Education: Liberal Studies and the Center for Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education.

Information regarding the School of Education can be found at https://soe.calpoly.edu/ .

About the University

Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates, 120 postbaccalaureate, and 900 graduate students. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Cal Poly #1 among public master's universities in the western United States for 28 consecutive years. A primarily undergraduate university, Cal Poly offers academically focused students 66 baccalaureate degrees and 27 master's degrees. Operating on the quarter calendar system, Cal Poly takes pride in its "Learn-by-Doing" approach to teaching and learning, which has characterized Cal Poly since its founding. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University system, Cal Poly has a statewide mandate as a polytechnic university. Cal Poly is one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation and uses all of its land holdings in active support of its educational programs. Cal Poly is located in historic San Luis Obispo, a city of 47,000, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's scenic Central Coast. With excellent public education resources, recreational facilities and an expanding dedication to the arts, the area is known for its scenic landscapes and extraordinarily temperate climate.

Cal Poly’s vision is to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution that is known for its intentional, innovative, and expansive commitment to the success, empowerment, and achievement of the Latinx community at Cal Poly. We aspire to be a model for other polytechnic institutions seeking to serve Latinx students and advance equity and racial justice in higher education.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must attach the following documents:
Cover Letter - In the cover letter, the applicant should address the feasibility of maintaining a research program within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented university. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Teaching Statement - The teaching statement provides an opportunity for candidates to articulate their teaching philosophy, approach, and goals. Research Plan - The research plan provides an opportunity to outline your proposed research agenda and demonstrate your expertise and potential as a researcher in the field of literacy education or a related field (e.g., education with emphasis on elementary and early childhood language and literacy, bilingualism and biliteracy, linguistic justice, multilingual learning, critical literacies, raciolinguistics, and/or applied linguistics). Diversity Statement - The diversity statement is a way for applicants for a tenure-track position, to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in teaching, scholarship and service. It should display evidence of the ability to promote and support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Please consider using the following questions to prepare the diversity statement. What pedagogical practices would you use to foster an inclusive learning environment for our student population? Teaching may include curriculum, pedagogy, or climate, and teaching that occurs outside the classroom setting. In what ways have your experiences shaped your perspectives, behaviors, or actions about or towards others, and what did you learn from these experiences? What activities, outside of the area of teaching, do you plan to engage in as a faculty member that would address diversity, equity, and inclusion? Unofficial undergraduate transcript(s) as one document. Unofficial graduate transcript(s) as one document. As needed, evidence of successful teaching.
These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.

Review of applications will begin December 18, 2023. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact Dr. Tina Cheuk at tcheuk@calpoly.edu .

Advertised: Nov 16 2023 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

San Luis Obispo, California 93405 United States View Map