Tusculum University is seeking an Assistant Dean of the Education Division/Assistant Professor of Education for Fall 2026. Located in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian mountains, Tusculum provides the successful applicant the opportunity to foster experiential learning in a meaningful way. Over 50% of entering undergraduate students are considered first-generation students, and the close-knit community of Tusculum University provides a springboard for these students to succeed and thrive. Our faculty have the rewarding opportunity to pour into those students’ lives and help educate the next generation of leaders for East Tennessee and beyond.
Tusculum faculty are responsible for teaching a minimum of 12 credits in each of the fall and spring semesters, advising, service, scholarship, and professional development. All employees must be active participants in advancing Tusculum University’s Mission Statement, which is as follows:
Building on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit, Tusculum University provides an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, to enrich personal lives, and to prepare career ready professionals.
In support of that mission, applicants for faculty roles should be prepared to advance all components of the mission statement. This includes the university’s faith-based tradition, which emphasizes closeness of faculty-student involvement, both within and without the classroom, in order to cultivate citizenship, Christian character and practical wisdom among members of the University community. As a part of that mission, the university is committed to creating a campus climate in which the Christian faith is reasonably and persuasively presented and in which the university offers a program of quality education in the liberal arts and sciences with the concept of the wholeness of life as interpreted by the Christian faith.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- A terminal degree in educational assessment, elementary education, curriculum and instruction, mathematics education, science education, or a closely related field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in a discipline area within the Education Division (strongly preferred)
- Experience teaching educational assessment and/or methods courses (preferred)
- Teaching experience in higher education and a K-12 school setting (preferred)
- Knowledge of educator preparation, licensure, and accreditation processes (preferred)
- Experience with curriculum design (preferred)
- Experience in academic administration with progressive levels of responsibility (whether K-12 or Higher Education)
- Knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee State Board of Education policies, rules, and requirements for educator preparation programs and experience with curricular design or redesign to meet these requirements (preferred)
- Experience collaborating with community partners and other stakeholders (e.g. LEAs) to advance program goals (preferred)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Administrative Functions
- Serve as the administrative leader (assistant dean) of the Education Division.
- Meet regularly with the university administrative team and participate in continuous quality improvement activities.
- Ensure that faculty are managing general contractual responsibilities such as posting schedules, submitting syllabi, reporting attendance, reporting grades, etc. by designated deadlines.
- Recruit new adjunct faculty. Maintain and review a qualified and sufficient adjunct pool.
- Collaborate with the faculty in the assessment of student learning, including determining student learning outcomes, choosing appropriate measures, setting benchmarks, and collecting assessment data.
- Submit an annual SACSCOC Report which meets accrediting body and college standards.
- Conduct annual reviews of faculty and staff.
- Schedule and facilitate faculty meetings on a regular basis.
- Cooperate with the Admissions Office and Office of Marketing and Communications to develop printed program and certificate materials, maintain current and relevant information on the college website, and recruit students.
- Faculty/Teaching Functions
- Teach Education courses in accordance with the load requirements listed in the Faculty Handbook
- Produce syllabi for each course section per the requirements outlined in the Faculty Handbook and any additional requirements outlined by the Assistant Dean
- Contribute to curriculum development and revision within the educator preparation program
- Keep careful attendance records for all enrolled students between the first day of classes and the published census date
- Keep office hours (physically when possible and virtually otherwise) at least 5 regular hours per week
- Serve on university committees, attend Faculty Assemblies, and engage in other faculty duties as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
- Serve as an Advisor for students
- Engage in mentoring students outside of class and being an active participant in the life of the university
- Actively further the University’s mission of providing “an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.”
Tusculum University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. In addition, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Tusculum participates in E-Verify and observes the guidelines as a Tennessee Drug Free Workplace. Applicants will be required to submit to and complete (1) substance abuse testing at a laboratory chosen by Tusculum University and (2) an employment background check, which includes a criminal background check, employment verification, license verification (if applicable), and credit history (if applicable). If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. John Alpers at 423-373-7417 or [email protected].
Applications are accepted only via email to [email protected] Attn: Assistant Dean of the Education Division/Assistant Professor of Education. A complete application will include:
- A cover letter that contains a summary statement of teaching philosophy and how the candidate would fulfill the following foundational aspects of the university’s mission as it relates to academic affairs, including:
- Christian Mission – Tusculum University is a Christian university committed to the holistic development of students. Faculty are expected to actively contribute to a campus climate in which the Christian faith is thoughtfully and persuasively presented and engage students in ways that cultivate citizenship, Christian character, and practical wisdom. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide a “caring Christian environment.”
- Teaching Mission – Tusculum is a teaching-focused institution. We are looking first and foremost for excellent classroom teachers who genuinely enjoy teaching and are committed to student learning. We seek candidates who demonstrate strong teaching ability, value meaningful faculty-student interaction, and are committed to creating engaging learning experiences that support student success. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide an “active and experiential education.”
- Mentoring/Discipleship Mission – Tusculum is committed to the shared responsibility of mentoring students. Strong candidates will express a desire to invest in the development and formation of students outside the classroom through mentorship, advising, leadership, and meaningful engagement within the University community. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to “inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.”
- Copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- The names and contact information of 3-5 references, and
- A completed Tusculum University application. A link to the application form is near the top of the web page https://www3.tusculum.edu/hr/employment-opportunities
