Geneva College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Special Education PK-12 and / or Reading Specialist PK-12 Position, with a start date of August 2023 or January 2024. The selected candidate will teach classes in both special education and literacy. This position is available for on-campus instruction for education classes in both Fall and Spring semesters. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to Christian higher education. Review of applications will begin on February 15th and will continue until the position is filled.

Following is a complete job description with required skills, abilities, education, and experience. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications should submit the following information for consideration.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Application materials are required to include the following items below. Any application that does not include these items, may not be considered.

1. A Cover Letter, which addresses your interest in this position, date of availability, and the specific skills and qualifications related to this position.
2. A one-page statement of faith (“This is what I believe”).
3. A statement of your faith journey and a narrative of your past and present church involvements.
4. A statement which describes the integration of your field and Christian faith in light of the "Foundational Concepts of Christian Education” (these concepts are available at https://www.geneva.edu/about-geneva/foundational_concepts).
5. A current vita/CV.
6. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official copies will be required before being appointed).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (These primary responsibilities are those the individual must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

General Responsibilities:

1. Teach twelve contact hours per semester
2. Adequately prepare all course materials and lessons (Note: preparation time will vary based on instructor experience in teaching that course)
3. Provide each student with clear course expectations, evaluations, and timelines through carefully written topical outlines and approved syllabus per faculty established guidelines
4. Provide interesting and relevant assignments for students that demonstrate learning outcomes in a real-life setting
5. Suitably challenge, engage, support, and communicate with students to encourage their participation and learning while maintaining mutual value and respect
6. Complete grade books, final grade sheets, learning assessments and final exam assessments on a timely basis
7. Respond to student questions on a timely basis
8. Ensure course and program learning outcomes are delivered as defined by the syllabus

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to students' reported satisfaction with having met student learning outcomes.
2. Teach courses according to Geneva College policies and teach as scheduled for each academic semester. Courses may be online or on-campus.
3. Participate in on-line training and learning management system (LMS) training according to policy; includes content related to design, platform, and on-line pedagogy.
4. Use current LMS system for gradebook, posting syllabi, weekly course content, assignments, and student communication.
5. In collaboration with Department Chair, assess student learning through program outcomes.
6. Provide a complete syllabus meeting the format needs of the department and consistent with College syllabus requirements and provide it to the Department Chair before posting for final approval. The syllabus should include course requirements, such as examinations, papers, grading policies, disability accommodations, academic integrity, and attendance. Examinations and papers, which are used for determining a course grade, should be available to students for inspection and discussion.
7. Follow current course curriculum design, including curriculum content, evaluation, and assessments, grading rubrics, course objectives, textbook, and syllabus requirement format. Inform students at the beginning of the semester the objectives of each course and organize the method of instruction to meet those objectives.
8. Provide students with instructional support and clearly stated office hours availability; Be readily available to students for concerns.
9. Refer students, when appropriate to student support services.
10. Maintain Grade records as required by the College; Ensure all students receive final grades by submitting grades to the Registrar by the assigned deadline at the end of each semester/term.
11. Maintain all course-related materials according to College policy.
12. Maintain attendance records as required by the College.
13. Follow College policies and procedures to resolve and document student complaints and concerns.
14. Maintain high level of professional ethics.
15. Perform other duties as required by the Department Chair.
16. Demonstrate how course content can be viewed or interpreted from a Christian perspective.
17. Keep abreast of current developments in their disciplines, continuously update course content, improve the method of instruction, and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their instruction.
18. Maintain in their classrooms and elsewhere an intellectual and attitudinal environment in which students are stimulated to learn, to ask questions, and to explore alternative approaches to problems.
19. Respect students as people, being concerned about their progress, and be willing to hear their points of view without prejudice.
20. Be committed to promoting cultural diversity in curricular offerings and classroom activities which demonstrate an appreciation of all individuals consistent with the Christian character of the College.
21. Students' grades should be based on recognized academic standards.
22. Hold classes and examinations as scheduled and, in the event of necessary absence, inform students in advance of changes in schedule and make suitable alternative arrangements.
23. Be readily available to students for individual conferences relating to coursework or other matters of concern and interest to students. Faculty should post a schedule indicating times when they will be available for consultation.
24. Understand the curriculum adequately to provide accurate advice to students. Demonstrate how course content can be viewed or interpreted from a Christian perspective.

Responsibilities to Education Department and Colleagues:

1. In collaboration with the Department Chair, select, prepare, and evaluate the curriculum, course outlines, and printed and non-printed instructional materials contributing to program performance improvement.
2. Provide data to the Department Chair for necessary program improvement such as retention efforts and student progress.
3. Assist in developing and administering appropriate measures of student academic achievement and use departmental assessments as provided.
4. Use evidence-based research for the maintenance and improvement of the program's curriculum.
5. Demonstrate value and respect to colleagues in all interactions.
6. Facilitate program improvement by participating in feedback and evaluation processes.
7. Participate in faculty workshops, orientations, and other training as required.

Responsibilities to Organization:

1. Demonstrate Christian commitment and ability to articulate it.
2. Demonstrate skills in teaching.
3. Pursue excellence in your work through professional activities and faculty development.
4. Show concern for those under your care and instruction.
5. Value the contributions of all members of the College community, support one another in various tasks, and be a contributing member for the betterment of the College.
6. Follow all standards of conduct per College policy.

Job Requirements - Administrative:

1. General: Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed or are able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations in order to safely perform the essential responsibilities of the job.
2. Physical: Must be able to perform the following: talking, hearing, and seeing. Must have sufficient manual dexterity to be able to operate all office equipment including, but not limited to computers, copy machines, and telephones.
3. Confidentiality: Individuals must recognize that management of data, including personal information, grades, budgets, programs, and policies is necessary to the operation of the College. Such information must be kept private and confidential for the protection of the College and to obey Federal and/or State laws. Should there be doubt as to whether a certain matter is to be protected, it should be discussed with your supervisor before making a disclosure.
4. Mental: Must be able to reason, analyze, prioritize, conceptualize, make judgments, and solve problems.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

Exhibits behavior that is consistent with and supportive of Geneva’s mission, vision, core values, and standards of conduct:

1. Geneva Mission Statement: Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor.
2. Vision Statement: Geneva College will inspire students to integrate faith in Christ into all aspects of life in the real world, and to serve faithfully within their callings for Christ and Country.
3. Core Values:
   • Serve with grace
   • Pursue Godly wisdom
   • Foster academic strength
   • Engage culture faithfully
   • Inspire vibrant hospitality
   • Honor one another
4. Standards of Conduct: Employees of Geneva College will affirm upon hire, and annually thereafter, their promise to abide by the College’s Standard of Conduct Policy. All employees must conduct their personal affairs so there can be no opportunity for unfavorable reflections upon the Christian beliefs and mission of the College, either expressed or implied. It is expected that employees will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with biblical standards, values, and character. These standards of personal conduct do not apply to family members and/or friends of the employee

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum: A Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or related Education field and valid teaching license and Pk-12/N-12 special education certification and reading specialist certification.
   • Experience: At least 3 years classroom experience in K-12 teaching.
   • Skill/Abilities: Student-centered, innovative educator who works well in a team; Expected to be engaged beyond the classroom
   • Christian Commitment: eligible candidates must be a thoughtful and articulate Christian and an active member of a Protestant evangelical Christian church. Preference will be given to candidates who support and have an articulate understanding of the Reformed faith. The individual must understand and support the College’s “Foundational Concepts of Christian Education” by expressing an evangelical Christian profession of faith and demonstrate the ability to integrate a Christian perspective in their work.
2. Preferred:
   • Experience: Previous higher education teaching experience preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Education Department has approximately 125 undergraduate students in elementary, middle, secondary, and special education programs. The department is dedicated to preparing students to be competent professional teachers committed to excellence and integrity who can identify and analyze educational issues from a Christian perspective.

The mission of the Education Department is to prepare competent professional teachers committed to excellence and integrity in: teaching, identifying and analyzing educational issues from a Christian perspective, responding to student needs, continuing professional development and collaborating with colleagues, parents and community members.

About Geneva College

Geneva College is a challenging Christian college that prepares students to challenge the world and succeed. We provide an academically rigorous education comprised of distinctive and innovative courses. Geneva offers over 40 undergraduate majors and seven master’s degree programs, with the most popular including business, engineering, education, biology, communication, psychology, student ministry and human services. And our liberal arts core fosters a breadth of knowledge through the study of humanities, the social and natural sciences, biblical studies, and experiential learning. Founded by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Geneva helps students meet the challenge of becoming everything God means them to be. Our 55-acre campus is located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Geneva College is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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