Assistant Professor of Reading

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Reading.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

The College of Education and Professional Studies at Fort Valley State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty assistant professor position specializing in the Science of Reading. This position is central to preparing future teachers with evidence-based practices grounded in cognitive science and structured literacy approaches. We are seeking a dynamic educator and scholar committed to preparing future teachers and advancing literacy instruction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Reading Faculty Member will play a pivotal role in preparing future educators to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. Primary job duties and responsibilities include teaching 12-15 hours in the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, supervising student teachers and practicum candidates, advising, and serving on various departmental, college and university-level committees.

Primary job duties and responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in reading and literacy education
• Ensure coursework prepares candidates for compliance with GaPSC Foundations of Reading, Literacy, and Language standards.
• Advise and mentor teacher candidates across multiple career pathways on academic planning, program requirements, and professional development to ensure successful progression toward certification and graduation.
• Take on leadership responsibilities and coordinate programs as needed, including managing course schedules, supporting accreditation processes, and facilitating program improvements.
• Supervise clinical and field placements in partnership schools.
• Engage in scholarly activities, attend and present at professional conferences, and submit journal articles to peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in service-learning initiatives and community engagement projects
• Participate in service to the department, college, and university, including committee work and community outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty and school partners to align coursework with state standards and accreditation requirements.
• Prepare accreditation and program reports, as needed. Review and plan curricula.
• Attend university functions and meetings.
• Collect, disaggregate, and analyze student performance and program data to inform continuous improvement and meet accreditation requirements.
• Complete other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate Degree in Reading/Literacy Education, Special Education, or a closely related field (ABD considered if degree is conferred by start date)
• Demonstrated expertise in reading instruction and literacy development
• Evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Experience with teaching in traditional classroom setting.
• Documented ability to integrate technology in teaching.
• Documented ability to teach, advise, and supervise field-based programs.
• Documented ability to foster relationships with colleagues and students.
• Documented ability of written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect, disaggregate, and analyze student performance and program data to inform continuous improvement and meet accreditation requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification or documented training in the Science of Reading
• Experience working with students with learning disabilities and underserved populations
• Record of scholarly research and publication

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent visits to placement sites, attending workshops, and other instructional travel.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and areas of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Three professional references

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.