Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Posted: 02-Dec-24
Location: Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Type: Full Time
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Position Summary
The Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Social & Behavioral Sciences at John Brown University (JBU) seeks a full-time faculty member with expertise in reading instruction and elementary education, with preference given to candidates who have experience in special education (SPED). The ideal candidate will have certification as a reading specialist, K-6 classroom teaching experience, and familiarity with special education programs. The role involves teaching undergraduate courses in elementary education and reading, advising students, participating in departmental governance and university committees, and contributing to our Spring 2025 state review for reading credentialing.
Program
The Teacher Education Program at JBU is a locally and state-recognized program dedicated to excellence in the field, innovative teaching through direct K-12 classroom experiences, and rigorous pedological training to equip them to honor Christ and serve their communities. JBU’s Department of Teacher Education seeks and prepares teacher candidates to teach in public, private, or Christian schools and develops educators who are skilled professionals and reflective decision-makers exhibiting Christ-like characteristics in their professional and personal lives.
Institution
John Brown University’s mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Founded in 1919, JBU is a Christ-centered, Biblically-faithful, interdenominational university that represents the best of Protestant evangelicalism in our commitment to the following theological principles: the fundamental human need for conversion and lifelong discipleship; the centrality of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the redemption of human beings; high regard for, and obedience to, the Bible as our authority; and active involvement in a local church, in missions and in ministries that work for Biblical justice and serve people in need. At JBU, we seek to integrate faith and learning, foster holistic Christian formation, promote pragmatic liberal arts education, and prepare people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life. Consistent with its evangelical identity, JBU’s board of trustees has articulated institutional commitments on certain theological issues or university practices. With God’s help, JBU seeks to live out these commitments faithfully and humbly with grace and truth. All employees must affirm JBU’s Employee Expectations and Articles of Faith.
With more than 2,300 students from 35 states and 37 countries, JBU offers approximately 50 undergraduate programs, seven fully online bachelor’s degrees, and 14 graduate degrees in business, education, cybersecurity, and counseling. JBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds program-specific accreditations from various agencies. More information is available at jbu.edu/accreditation.
JBU has benefited from stable and excellent leadership throughout the organization. President Chip Pollard started in 2004 and has led the organization in consistently meeting enrollment goals, completing two capital campaigns and launching a third, finishing two strategic plans and launching a third, 17 major building projects, encouraging efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, and navigating the educational and financial challenges of the pandemic successfully. He served on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) board for thirteen years and as chair for five years. Most of the president’s cabinet has served for over 20 years, and all cabinet members have held volunteer leadership positions in the CCCU, ACSD, CIC, NACUBO, and other higher education associations. JBU’s board of trustees are people of deep Christian faith, generous spirit, and professional expertise, with an average length of service of 11 years. They are deeply committed to maintaining JBU’s mission to educate students to honor God and serve others.
JBU has experienced a season of God’s favor and blessing, for which we are grateful. In the last 20 years, JBU has received over $370 million in gifts and grants and has built or renovated over 90% of the university’s facilities. JBU has just under $4 million of long-term debt on over $300 million of assets. During that same time, JBU’s endowment has grown from about $50 million to over $185 million, much of it dedicated to scholarships and academic programs and to support maintenance costs for new facilities. This financial strength has enabled JBU to retain excellent faculty and staff with consistent compensation increases and funds for faculty and staff development. JBU has not been immune to the economic and cultural challenges facing higher education, but it is positioned better than many institutions to respond.
JBU has received national recognition from many national newspapers and industry journals. For instance, in nine out of the last ten years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named JBU on its “high honor roll” in its “Great Place to Work” survey. The Wall Street Journal has named JBU to its Best Colleges list since 2019, ranking us the top private school in Arkansas (2025) and top Arkansas university overall (2020, 2022, 2024). We are typically in the top 10% in our category (master’s level universities in the South) in U.S. News and World Report rankings.
JBU is located in Northwest Arkansas, a region predicted to have the third fastest job growth rate in the country behind only Austin, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of the largest corporations in the world are located here—Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt—and there is a growing technology, entrepreneurial, and art business ecosystem in the region. The quality of life is enhanced with a world-class art museum, Crystal Bridges, 25 miles from campus, over 400 miles of mountain biking trails, several state and national historic sites, parks, and large lakes, and a new $33 million whitewater rafting park just five miles south of campus. Siloam Springs has approximately 18,350 people with affordable housing and good private and public schools.
Important Dates
Position begins July 1, 2025. Screening process begins November 25, 2024 and continues until the position is filled.
Diversity
JBU desires to increase the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students to honor how all humans are created in the image of God, to reflect better the diversity of the Kingdom of God, to further our Christian commitment to justice, and to increase the quality of our educational experience. JBU is pursuing the goal of teaching and working in an intercultural environment and encourages applications from people interested in serving a diverse body of students. For more information, visit our diversity webpage.
Position Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, Reading, Special Education, or a related field.
- Certified reading specialist.
- Demonstrated experience teaching in K-6 settings.
- Ability to teach undergraduate courses in reading and elementary education.
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ.
- Commitment to integrating Christian faith with education.
- A commitment to working with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Elementary Education, Reading, Special Education, or a related field.
- Experience or certification in Special Education (SPED).
- Demonstrated knowledge of differentiated instruction and strategies to support students with special learning needs.
- Experience navigating complex educational systems and adapting strategies to meet evolving standards.
- Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate students.
- Demonstrated experience with diverse populations.