CO – Dean, School of Education – Fort Lewis College

JOB TITLE:

Dean, School of Education, Fort Lewis College

DEPARTMENT:

School of Education

SUPERVISOR:

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SALARY:

$126,000 – $140,000

JOB SUMMARY:

The Fort Lewis College School of Education (SOE) offers a wide range of programs that reflect our commitment to innovative educator preparation, inclusive teaching in the Four Corners region, & leadership in pedagogical best practices on campus. The Dean oversees: Undergrad & grad Teacher Education (TED) licensure programs, including undergrad programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, & PreK-12 teacher licensure & graduate Master of Arts in Education programs in Special Education, Teacher Licensure (Secondary & K-12), Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, Principal Licensure, & Leading in Context A nationally recognized Adventure Education (AE) Department with undergrad programs including a major & minor in AE, Snow and Avalanche Studies & Wilderness and Adventure Therapy certificates. The ideal candidate will understand & lead the SOE to leverage campus resources & external relationships, highlighting the “sense of place” in the Four Corners region to enhance transformational programs. Initiatives include developing partnerships with Tribal Nations & Indigenous communities, leading programming in regional education, addressing teacher shortages, providing English Language Learner workshops, & meeting other regional educational needs in rural settings & beyond.SOE boasts a highly qualified faculty & staff who connect students to innovative theories & practices, excellent field placements, & culturally rich perspectives. TED programs include over 150 grad students in five Masters of Arts of Education programs, & over 200 undergrad students in Early Childhood, Elementary, & Secondary/K12 majors. Our students enter the profession ready to serve children/youth in their communities as thoughtful & responsive educators & leaders. AE programs include over 200 undergrad students, drawing students from across the U.S. & preparing competent & passionate educators & leaders through intentional outdoor, experiential classroom & adventure experiences.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide inclusive and inspirational leadership, articulating a compelling vision of the School to internal and external audiences
  • Maintain visibility and engagement across campus operating in a cross-functional manner
  • Oversee educator preparation, adventure education, and dual enrollment programs, including developing effective working relationships and communication with stakeholders
  • Develop/maintain collaborations w/external organizations (area school districts) for field experiences, internships, professional development, & grants to address rural P-12 needs (resolving teacher shortages, supporting teaching in rural areas, & serving culturally/linguistically diverse students)
  • Lead fundraising and grant initiatives in coordination with the FLC Foundation for student scholarships, faculty research, and collaborative ventures with regional school districts and regional partners
  • Manage personnel, fiscal resources, facilities, equipment and technology for the School
  • Promote community, purpose, and inclusion among a diverse collective of faculty, students, and staff
  • Advocate for the School at local, state and national levels
  • Maintain awareness of legislative impacts to educator preparation and develop channels for engagement and advocacy
  • Lead partnerships with Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education for reauthorization processes

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Doctorate or terminal degree in education or a related field
  • Distinguished record of teaching and scholarship, including undergraduate teaching experience with credentials supporting appointment with tenure at associate or full professor rank in a School of Education program
  • Proven successful leadership experience in higher education administration
  • Experience teaching in P-12 classrooms and/or informal education settings, including private/public schools, charter schools, or outdoor adventure/environmental education
  • Demonstrated commitment to the directions of the FLC strategic plan including student-centered higher education, dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, and experiential, place-based learning

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience with higher education distance, hybrid, and online programs, and outreach in rural communities affected by educator shortages
  • Experience with accreditation and state authorization processes in teacher education programs
  • Collaborative and approachable leader with strong listening and communication skills, able to advocate effectively for the School of Education
  • Innovative approaches to program development and assessment, including field experiences
  • Strong organizational, personnel, fiscal, and budgetary management skills
  • Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities
  • Experience advocating for a college, school, or department(s) at local, state and national levels
  • Experience working in rural education programs and regional-serving colleges
  • Leadership experience with accreditation and teacher licensure
  • Advocate for adventure, outdoor, experiential and place-based education, understanding the transformative student learning outcomes gained through adventure-based programming

To apply, Click Here