Concordia University Chicago invites applications for a visiting faculty position in the area of Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Science (Assistant or Associate professor depending on qualifications). This full-time faculty position will lead the Social Science Education curriculum and instruction for the teacher preparation programs. This position reports directly to the Dean of the College of Education.  

This position, Social Science Education Faculty, is responsible for overseeing the curriculum and instruction across the education programs; elementary, middle grades, and secondary. We seek a faculty member with a strong desire to teach as well as collaborate with other program Coordinators in the College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences. This position is also responsible for teaching content and methods courses to meet curriculum and instruction requirements as mandated by state rules, accreditors, and preparation needs of the programs. The ideal candidate will be a K-12 social science educator who is conversant with National Standards.  Although a terminal degree is required, the committee will consider a candidate nearing completion of their doctorate.

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• Provides competency, standards-based education that aligns with the Concordia University conceptual framework, Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, the National Council for the Social Studies standards as well as supports the Concordia University mission
• Draws upon and integrates prior experience from teaching and relates professional life experience to learning by the introduction of real-world perspectives into courses
• Strong content mastery and conversant with current social science education pedagogy
• Demonstrates an understanding of how to teach in diverse and changing learning communities
• Able to teach foundation courses in education and technology, including being conversant with how technology supports the teaching and learning of social sciences
• Guides student learning in the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and applications of research-based methodologies to the coursework
• Considers the general and special needs of the students, assists them in meeting those needs, and when necessary, seeks additional help from other college services
• Manages the learning environment through keeping accurate records, submitting attendance and grades and other reports on time, and enforcing school/college academic and attendance policies
• Attends state meetings regarding program requirements and licensure of P-12 educators to provide leadership related to compliance with rules and regulations of the State of Illinois and to advocate for the profession, educators, schools, and the university
• Builds relationships with in-service Teachers and staff in field work settings to strengthen and build partnerships
• Maintains an active awareness of professional trends, research, and opportunities in the field
• Attends scheduled semi-annual professional development program meetings when there is no conflict with a professional responsibility
• Consults with program leaders on matters pertaining to departmental issues or concerns; observes proper channels of communications
• Works to continuously improve the curriculum, instructional delivery, and assessment of all program requirements in accordance with CAEP and ISBE requirements
• Submits and analyzes data for reports pertaining to the compliance requirements of the state government, federal government, and accreditors

Education Requirements

• An earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree in a field of Social Science Education or a related field that supports the work of preparing P-12 social science educators
• A state teaching credential, certification or license for secondary grades

Minimum Experience Required

• Preferably 5 or more years of successful P-12 classroom experience teaching students in public or parochial schools
• Preferably a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a post-secondary or college institution with experience teaching college level courses face-to-face and/or online
• Conversant with the use of current media and technology for classroom teachers

Skills Sets

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to build successful relationships with various student populations
• Familiarity with online teaching tools or platforms used in hybrid/blended formats preferable
• Ability to meet frequently occurring deadlines
• Ability to develop a professional rapport with diverse student, peer, and school-site populations
• Ability to reflect and learn from students' participation, demonstrating compassionate and consistent behavior in all educational matters, while maintaining high standards

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs, Interim Dean, College of Education at carolyn.theardgriggs@cuchicago.edu.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range and academic rank is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia health, disability and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Tuition benefits are also available for employees and their qualified dependents.

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application. Applications for faculty positions should also include a copy of transcripts from the applicant's highest degree. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age.  As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation. 

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.

As a distinctive, comprehensive university of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world.