Department of Teacher Education

Michigan State University is currently developing an inter-college, multidisciplinary effort to collaborate with African institutions and agencies in capitalizing on existing human resources to address problems of poverty, hunger, health and environment in African rural communities through targeted interventions and applied research. Initially, the focus will be on East Africa. The Department of Teacher Education at MSU, a national leader in teacher preparation and research on teaching, teacher learning, curriculum, policy, and international education, is seeking one tenure-system associate professor (although other levels might be considered). The education component of this effort will concentrate on improving school community relations, facilitating school to work transitions, helping young people acquire relevant knowledge (especially in applied science and mathematics and especially among vulnerable populations), and improving the life chances of village youth more generally. This is an academic year position with a negotiable starting date of Fall 2008.

Major responsibilities. The successful candidate will include: (1) graduate and undergraduate teaching, (2) supervision of doctoral dissertations, (3) collaborative research publication; and (4) playing a leadership role in this effort.

Qualifications. Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. (or the equivalent) in a relevant field; research publications commensurate with the opportunities offered by previous positions as well as with the expected duties and level of this position; professional experience in formal or informal education; substantial experience working, studying and/or doing research in a developing country (preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa); and in-depth knowledge of international development as applied to education and related fields. In particular, knowledge of school organizations, school-community relations, curriculum development and professional development for teachers, all in a developing country context, will be important for this position. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with specialists in other fields, and to do interdisciplinary work are also essential. Preference will also be given to candidates with basic knowledge of one or more of the following fields: development studies; biological, agricultural and/or environmental sciences; and/or economics. Applicants with demonstrated ability or high potential to raise additional funds for the work being planned and fluency in at least two of the languages used extensively in Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g. French, English, Swahili, and Portuguese) are also preferred.

Interested candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three references. All application materials must be sent in electronic form to the search secretary at orr@msu.edu (indicate “International Development Education Search” in the subject line).

Dr. Jack Schwille and Dr. Lynn Paine
Committee Co-Chairs, International Development Education ( Africa) Search
c/o Connie Orr, 313 Erickson Hall
Department of Teacher Education
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1034

Please see the College web site (http://www.educ.msu.edu/) for information about the college and this position. We invite inquiries to any of the search committee members: Jack Schwille (jschwill@msu.edu), Lynn Paine (painel@msu.edu), Chris Wheeler (cwheeler@msu.edu), John Metzler (metzler@msu.edu) or John Kaneene (kaneenej@msu.edu). Review of applications will begin November 1, 2007 and will continue until the position is filled. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.