Affiliate Faculty in English (Elementary English Education)

Summary: The Department of English at Grand Valley State University invites applicants for an Affiliate Professor of English Language Arts/Literacy to begin August 6, 2025. Applicants are expected to have an M.A. or M.Ed. in literacy/English education, curriculum and instruction, ed leadership or a closely related field, with specialization in PK-8 literacy education. We are seeking innovative educators who are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who teach in the Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching- PCKET major.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• M.A. or M.Ed. in Reading/Literacy, English Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Urban Education, or other related field;
• Demonstrated potential for successful college-level teaching;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility;
• Evidence of one’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. This could be demonstrated by an applicant using inclusive teaching practices; conducting research relating to minoritized populations or social inequality; engaging in community-based social justice work; and other kinds of DEI-infused teaching, scholarship and/or service. 

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Ph.D./Ed.D. in Reading/Literacy, English Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Urban Education, or other related field;
• K-8 teaching experience;
• Research experience;
• Expertise in literacy instruction in multicultural, multilingual, multidialectal contexts;
• Expertise in critical literacy and evidence of critical, reflective thinking about the teaching and learning of literacy;
• Ability to work productively with colleagues with flexibility and creativity.

Responsibilities: Affiliate faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are hired on nine-month contracts, with a 12-credit hour teaching load per semester. They are also expected to engage in service. Department faculty are expected to participate actively in the life of the English department and the PCKET major. Employment begins August 6, 2025.

Minimum Starting Salary: $50,000; commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health/vision/dental plans, life insurance, retirement, sick/leave disability, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.

Department: The English Department strengthens the liberal education of students by developing a deepened understanding of language and literacy, the value of critical reading and effective writing, and the richness of literature, past and present. We seek to foster knowledge and a love of literature and of language in our students, which in turn will foster a love in their students. To this end we will provide students in all emphasis areas with a coherent curricular framework and relevant, well-structured course choices. We teach a variety of literary, analytical, pedagogical, and theoretical skills. We teach students to speak, read, and write effectively, and encourage students to think deeply and to reflect on what they have learned. We encourage a love of learning and an appreciation for a liberal education with the intention of passing this love and appreciation on to their future students.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

Campus/University: Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources – Human Resources – Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).

How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following to the online application (except for #5):

(1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU

(2) curriculum vitae

(3) a personal statement that addresses the applicant’s teaching philosophy and research agenda (if applicable)

(4) a statement that describes ongoing and anticipated activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research/creative activity, and service, with particular attention to experiences engaging and supporting a diverse student body, and preparing teachers to teach literacy to a diverse body

(5) three letters of recommendation; letters should be emailed to Jennie Reed ([email protected])

(6) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply).

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at (616) 331-2215. Questions about the position may be directed to: Dr. Amy Masko, English Education Search Committee, at [email protected].

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on October 21, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State University is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. See http://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

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