Lecturer of Literacy and Learning

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found

Position Purpose

The School of Education at Aurora University seeks candidates to fill a full time Lecturer position in the field of Literacy and Learning (P-12). Primary responsibility includes teaching mostly undergraduate courses in literacy addressing P-12 levels, that require emphasis of literacy pedagogy, theoretical frameworks for learning, and strong knowledge in current trends in literacy instruction.

The School of Education invites applications for a nine-month faculty appointment with additional responsibilities as a coordinator of the Elementary Education program in the School of Education compensated as a stipend for summer work.

The role includes coordination responsibilities under the direction of the Chair of Initial Licensure and collaboration with school districts and institutional partners throughout the state of Illinois.

Core Competencies

• Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
• Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
• Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events. 5. Demonstrates strong leadership abilities with documented experience leading teams effectively, designing and overseeing the implementation of curricula, facilitating innovative program development, as well as academic schedule and program management.
  
  

Essential Job Functions

• Teaching and Instruction
• Teaching 16-credit hours per academic year and eight-hours of reassigned time.
• Deliver instruction in campus-based, online, and hybrid formats. Participate in curriculum development and continuous instructional improvement.
• Attending University, college and departmental meetings.
• Program Leadership and Coordination
• Support the implementation and ongoing operation of the Elementary Education program under the direction of the Chair of Initial Licensure.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of catalog, website, and program materials.
• Monitor changes in university, college, and ISBE policies that impact the Elementary Education program.
• Coordinate program reviews, assessment activities, and accreditation-related reporting.
• Student Support and Advising
• Advise Elementary Education students regarding program progression and licensure requirements.
• Conduct orientation sessions for campus-based and online cohorts.
• Monitor student academic progress and initiate interventions as needed.
• Review disposition forms and participate in student review processes.
• Process grade appeals and special petitions in collaboration with appropriate offices.
• Coordinate with advisors regarding student registration and academic planning.
• Curriculum, Assessment and Accreditation
• Provide oversight of existing curriculum and key program assignments.
• Coordinate learning outcome assessment implementation and data analysis.
• Maintain curricular and program documents, including manuals, handbooks, and promotional materials.
• Collect and review course syllabi to ensure compliance with institutional and college policies.
• Faculty Staffing and Development
• Staff campus-based and online Elementary Education and related Literacy education courses.
• Recruit, orient, mentor, and evaluate part-time faculty teaching in the Elementary Education program.
• Support adjunct faculty hiring and contract processes for fall, spring, and summer terms.
• Convene meetings with adjunct faculty as needed and encourage engagement in university life.
• Maintain accurate faculty teaching load and service records.
• Enrollment, Recruitment, and Partnerships
• Collaborate with enrollment staff to recruit and retain students.
• Engage with prospective students and families during recruitment events.
• Develop and implement strategies to support student retention.
• Collaborate with school districts and institutional partners to support program goals and field experiences
• Institutional Service and Collaboration
• Attend university, college, and departmental meetings.
• Participate in faculty development activities.
• Contribute to institutional service consistent with faculty expectations.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners to support student success.
• Advocate for diverse constituency groups and assist in conflict resolution as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned
  

Education

Essential Job Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Education required.
• Doctoral Degree in Education or ABD status preferred.
• Current Professional Educator License (K-6 Elementary Education) in the State of Illinois required.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience post Master’s degree in P-12 education at the district-level is required.
• Prior experience as a practitioner within the Illinois Public School system is required.
• Minimum of two years of teaching in higher education highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois State Learning Standards.
  
  

Skills

• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets institutional requirements is required.
• Requires travel between campus locations or to attend off-site meetings.
• Experience with campus-based and online instruction.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of common educational technologies and computer systems
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work with a computer for long periods of the day.
• Ability to attend off campus meetings.
• Office setting, standing, walking, sitting.
  
  

Work Hours: Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Hybrid or work from home employment will be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to fulfill this role effectively off-site.

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $65,000-$70,000 per year. This compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the university, based on institutional needs.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Aurora University offers competitive, flexible benefits to eligible employees.

• Health Insurance Choice of HMO or PPO offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Choice of two dental plans and vision insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Life Insurance and AD&D 1.5 times annual salary, dependent on age. Additional life insurance also may be purchased for self, spouse, and children.
• Long Term Disability 60% of salary, taxable and nontaxable options.
• TIAA Retirement Account The University offers a 403b retirement plan, administered by TIAA. Matching contributions offered first day of employment to eligible employees, at the discretion of the University and Board of Directors.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) FSAs are available for medical costs and dependent care costs.
• Paid Time Off Vacation, personal, and sick leave are provided to eligible employees.
• Holidays The university observes nine major holidays where the university is closed.
• Tuition Assistance Tuition assistance for AU undergraduate courses is available to eligible employees and eligible family members beginning the term following one (1) year of regular, full-time employment. Tuition assistance for graduate programs paid at 60% for employee following Senior Leadership approval.
• Tuition Exchange Consortiums AU is a member of the Tuition Exchange (TE) and the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP) enabling full-time employees and eligible family members to be eligible for tuition assistance at more than 600 universities nationwide. Eligibility for the CIC-TEP and TE programs is one (1) year of regular, full-time employment as of 8/31.
  
  

To see more benefits details and breakdowns please see our benefits guide

01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree
• Doctor of Philosophy
  
  

02

Do you have a valid PEL license/certification in the state of Illinois?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

If no, are you eligible to obtain a PEL license/certification in the state of Illinois?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

How many years of post degree experience do you have teaching in P-12 education?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years but less than 7 years experience
• 7 or more years of experience
  
  

05

Do you have experience teaching in the Illinois Public School system?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Do you have a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance?

• Yes
• No
  
  

Required Question