Assistant or Associate Professor, University at Albany, Albany, NY

Posted October 19, 2022

Description:

The Department of Information Sciences and Technology in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor in our Information Science School Library (ISSL) program to start in fall 2023. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about teaching graduate students working to become library teachers.

The Master of Science Information Science School Library is a 36-credit online, approved teacher preparation program leading to NYS teacher certification as a library media specialist accredited by the American Library Association. The curriculum is grounded in current educational theory and learning sciences. Students learn how to create authentic, relevant, equitable, and safe learning environments for 21st-century learners (students, teachers, administrators, and community members), preparing them to sift, sort, select, use, and assess information. These are critical core capabilities for all members of today’s society.

The program draws upon many disciplines: library and information science, education, cognitive science, instructional technology and design, psychology, and sociology, to teach pre-service and in-service school librarians how to develop evidence-based claims about learning. Principles of educational assessment and evaluation are integrated throughout the program to help students determine the effectiveness of their instructional practices as school librarians and the effect of the school library on observable and measurable student learning outcomes.

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), the successful candidate is an integral part of ISSL’s instructional and program development team. Assistant/Associate Professors perform undergraduate and graduate-level instruction, research, and advisement responsibilities. Each semester, the tenure-track and tenured faculty generally teach two courses. While we welcome candidates from a range of specializations and methodologies, we especially encourage candidates whose scholarly work critically engages with diverse ways of understanding issues in education and libraries. This could include scholarship in topics such as multicultural education; language or literacy-related barriers; inclusive education; special education; library sustainability programming, or social-emotional learning and cultural competence. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in College and Department activities, serve on committees, attend faculty meetings and retreats, and participate in end-of-session activities along with graduation and other meetings that arise, in addition to developing curriculum.

The IST department within CEHC is committed to increasing diversity in the related fields that have traditionally been underrepresented by minority and women’s participation. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence and will be expected to contribute actively to these efforts. The Assistant or Associate Professor will play an integral part in developing and offering classes that foster a sense of welcoming to traditional, diverse, and non-traditional students. There are opportunities for collaboration across departments, particularly through our interdisciplinary Information Science doctoral program. Partner departments include Computer Science, Educational Theory and Practice, Sociology, Public Administration, and Communication.

Qualified candidates will be expected to participate in the department’s commitment to eradicating disparities in undergraduate/graduate study and careers in the Information and Library sciences.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

A PhD in Library and Information Science, Education, Instructional Design, Information Literacy, Reading/Literacy, and Education Assessment and Evaluation, or a related field, from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization by May 2023
Applicants must address in their application their ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
A record of innovative, meaningful research and published scholarship on topics in the field of Information Science, with a focus on topics such as school libraries/media centers, K-12 education and literacy, and curriculum design, and/or closely related fields.
Demonstrated ability to utilize a wide range of research methods. We are particularly interested in researchers who use mixed qualitative/quantitative approaches and can contribute to the academic programs of all levels within the Department and College.
Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in scholarship, teaching, and service.
Applicants must address their ability to mentor students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and academic backgrounds and to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty and stakeholders, internal and external.
The candidate must be experienced in modern, engaged pedagogies, and all modes of teaching, including in-person and online.
Applicants must address their ability to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses and contribute to the core curriculum in the ISSL program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience preparing pre-service educators for the NYSED certification exams: the Content Area Specialty Test, Educating All Students, and Teaching Performance Assessments.
Master’s in Library Science or Information Science or Education.
Experience as a School Library Media Specialist and/or demonstrated ability to advocate for school libraries/media centers.
Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
Experience in developing programs in existing and emerging subfields of school libraries.
Demonstrated ability to impact learners’ preparation and development of knowledge and skills in the areas of social justice, equity, and cultural competency.
Experience and knowledge of the ALA accreditation process.

How to Apply:

To view the full job description and apply, please visit this site.