PK-6 Literacy Affiliate Instructor

The School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) at Cornerstone University is accepting applications for a qualified PK-6 literacy affiliate instructor to teach on campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This position includes teaching undergraduate literacy courses within the elementary teacher preparation program, including literacy foundations, children’s and young adult literature, writing instruction, and literacy methods courses for grades PK–6.

About the School of Education and Human Services: The SEHS is home to a range of programs including (but not limited to) teacher's education, psychology, social work, and counseling. These programs are associates degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. The SEHS is fully accredited by the CAEP, CSWE, and the HLC, ensuring continuous improvement within its world-class programs.

The School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) adheres strictly to the following core principles, philosophies, and methodologies:

• We prioritize an unwavering commitment to the Christian worldview (as explicitly defined on CU's About page), extending to every facet of our educational offerings.
• We intertwine our classroom instruction with our professional expertise, effectively bringing to life the course materials for the benefit of our students.
• We demonstrate a commitment to fostering students' professional growth, underpinned by academic rigor, and providing experiential learning opportunities; successfully equipping our students for their chosen vocational path.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate literacy and language arts courses in the Teacher Education program
• Facilitate engaging, evidence-based instruction aligned with the Science of Reading and Michigan literacy standards
• Teach courses such as:
  • Foundations of Literacy
  • Children’s Literature and Writing Instruction
  • Young Adult Literature and Writing Instruction
  • Teaching Literacy I (PK–3)
  • Teaching Literacy II (Grades 4–6)
• Prepare teacher candidates to implement explicit and systematic literacy instruction in:
  • phonological awareness
  • phonics and decoding
  • fluency
  • vocabulary
  • comprehension
  • writing instruction
  • disciplinary literacy
  • literacy assessment and intervention
• Model effective literacy instructional practices, including:
  • formative assessment
  • differentiated instruction
  • discussion facilitation
  • metacognitive strategy instruction
  • literacy-rich classroom design
  • use of mentor texts
• Support teacher candidates in connecting reading and writing instruction through authentic literacy experiences and quality children’s and young adult literature
• Supervise and support clinical experiences, tutoring experiences, and practicum activities in school settings
• Collaborate with faculty to maintain program quality and alignment with CAEP, MDE, and institutional expectations
• Utilize Brightspace and educational technology tools to support instruction and assessment
• Integrate a Christ-centered worldview into literacy instruction and professional interactions consistent with the mission of Cornerstone University
• Participate in departmental meetings and professional development as appropriate

Teaching in the School of Education and Human Services: To teach in the SEHS adjunct faculty must have a master’s degree or doctoral degree. In addition to the degree requirement, adjunct faculty must have professional experience within the field he or she aspires to teach in.

Courses to be taught can include but are not limited to: PK-6 Literacy.

About Cornerstone University:

Cornerstone University is a vibrant interdenominational evangelical university that prepares students for lives of global influence in an academically rigorous, spiritually rich educational community. It is located minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, a dynamic city in Western Michigan that offers a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities. Learn more about Cornerstone at www.cornerstone.edu

Each candidate must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, be active in a local church and espouse a theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University as evidenced by fully affirming the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession”.