Job Description

Position Summary:

Job Description:

POSITION:

Western Colorado University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Education. Teaching responsibilities would fill needs across 2 or more under/graduate areas consistent with the needs of the Department including: action research, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) education, educational administration, elementary math, secondary/K-12 licensure, and/or special education. Other courses could be included in the teaching load based on need and qualifications. The successful candidate will teach a 4/4 load with possible course reassign time for program coordination and/or clinical coach responsibilities. Most coursework in the Department is delivered asynchronously online via Canvas; however, this position is in-person on-campus.

The Education Department at Western has approximately 70 on-campus undergraduates and 200 online graduate students. Students have the opportunity to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, teaching licenses, and added endorsements in elementary education, K-12 or secondary education, special education, and school administration contexts. For more information on the Department of Education, visit our website at: .

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• EdD or PhD in Education or a related discipline; ABD applicants will be considered with completion of dissertation by start date
• At least three years of successful K-12 teaching experience in the U.S.
• Evidence of professional activity* related to the field of education, including but not limited to, peer-reviewed scholarly publications, conference presentations, grant writing, and/or research-in-progress to fulfill the expectations associated with a tenure-track appointment
• Familiarity with Academic Content Standards and understanding of K-12 Teacher Quality Standards
• Ability to support learning in two or more of the following areas of specialization: action research, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) education, educational administration, elementary math, secondary/K-12 licensure, and/or special education
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and educational equity in schools
• Experience coaching/supervising pre- or in-service educators to become reflective practitioners as either mentor teacher and/or faculty member

*Per the Handbook for Professional Personnel , “Professional activity should be directed toward improving classroom teaching, involving students in research and scholarly activity, or enhancing the reputation of the University”.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to create effective higher education courses in face-to-face and online environments
• At least five years of successful school or district leadership experience in the U.S. e.g., as Curriculum & Instruction Director or Specialist, Data Coach, Principal, Superintendent, etc.
• Active with local, regional and state K-20 stakeholders, including, but not limited to, school districts, professional advocacy groups, state agencies, grant funded organizations, etc.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement through data collection and analysis for purposes of course, program, and/or university evaluation
• Record of being professionally flexible and responsive
• Regular engagement with professional development and regional/state/national/international professional or scholarly organizations

RESPONSIBILITIES:

INSTRUCTION

• Teach courses based on expertise and department need
• Coach/supervise undergraduate and graduate pre- and in-service educators
• Develop curricula in collaboration with other members of the department

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

• Contribute to intradepartmental distributed leadership such as work involved in CDE reauthorization, student recruitment at partner school districts, etc.
• Contribute to University service obligations, inclusive of shared governance and committee service

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY

• Attend and present research at regional, state, and inter/national conferences
• Engage in official capacities within professional or scholarly associations/organizations

SALARY/BENEFITS: $60,000 base salary

This position is eligible for a distributed leadership stipend for up to $13,905 depending on additional year-round service assignment. 

 

Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. 

START DATE: July 1, 2025, or negotiable

APPLICATION: Apply online at . Required attachments to the application include:

• letter of application (3 page maximum) that addresses required qualifications and alignment with the Western Education Department’s mission statement: Utilizing a practitioner-based, student centered approach to educator preparation, Western’s Education Department prepares​ effective, inclusive, reflective teachers and educational leaders.
• teaching evaluations or evaluation(s) from school supervisor e.g., administrator
• transcripts
• diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) statement that demonstrates responsiveness to the educational needs of diverse student populations e.g., first-generation and nontraditional students such as those in ADC
• reference list with names and contact information of three references

Please direct questions to search committee chair Dr. Casey Richardson (she/her) at crichardson@western.edu .

Application deadline is Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:59PM (MST).

Note: If transcripts are required for your application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit to learn more about the university. 

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley , one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District . 

Western Colorado University encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. 

Visit to learn more about the university.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

 
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

 

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