Western Governors University Hiring for Instructor Practitioner (Part-Time Teachers College)) at Remote Full Time

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

Internal candidates must apply by 12/24/21 to be considered.

Position Summary:

An Instructor Practitioner is an experienced educator who acts as a subject matter advisor and support a caseload of students to guide WGU teacher candidates prior to, during, and following the student teaching experience. The Instructor Practitioner plays an important role in helping candidates balance the duties and responsibilities of student teaching while learning to navigate and understand the complex world of educational practice. The Instructor Practitioner guides the candidate through their Cohort Seminar and TPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) courses associated with the student teaching experience. The role of the Instructor Practitioner is one of high quality, comprehensive advisement and support of teacher candidates. Using technology, the Instructor Practitioner interacts with students in both group and one-on-one settings.

Time Expectations
This role is expected to take approximately 20 hours per week but on occasion may vary somewhat week-to-week depending on the needs of the assigned group of learners. The role is not expected to exceed 29 hours per week.

Compensation Expectations
This role is paid as biweekly salary. Your salary compensation is intended to cover all hours worked each week. This role is not eligible for overtime pay.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Acts as a steward for carrying out WGU’s mission and strategic vision. The Instructor Practitioner must demonstrate a high level of commitment effectively and consistently.

• Responsible to monitor the course progress of an assigned group of learners in their course(s) and proactively offer support at key points of the student journey.

• Provides expertise in assigned content area and maintains current knowledge in his/her field.

• Fosters personalized student learning through innovative teaching practices.

• Responds with urgency to meet student needs and communicates professionally and respectfully with students and all other members of the WGU community.

• Offers proactive support and outreach to assigned students, including meeting service level agreements as outlined by their department.

• Uses technology-based teaching and communication platforms to aid students in the development of competencies.

• Collaborates with team members and other professionals within the university to promote a positive, student-obsessed atmosphere.

• Participates and/or leads training activities.

• Responds with urgency to changing requirements, priorities, and short deadlines.

• Consistently exhibits WGU Leadership Principles and Cultural Beliefs.

• Follows the required guidelines, activities, and pacing delineated in the WGU Instructor Practitioner guide, Cohort Seminar course of study, and/or TPA course of study.

• Facilitates a 60-minute weekly group conference call and webinar for candidates that supports a collegial sharing of ideas and promotes reflective discourse based on the designated topics.

• Supports candidate learning during student teaching.

• Provides ongoing guidance/support in the candidates’ development and completion of the required Teacher Performance Assessment.

• Attends and participates in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings with peers to learn and collaborate in relation to candidate TPA and/or Cohort Seminar support

Required Education and Experience :

• Master’s degree. Education must be from an accredited institution. Education is verified.

• Current or previous K-12 Teaching License

• Experience with online instruction

• Five or more years of classroom teaching experience

• Experience in mentoring adult learners

• State and/or federal legislative requirements and/or college accreditation requirements may apply to maintain the necessary credentialing for this role

Required Skills:

• Must demonstrate technological competency: Data entry, email and calendar, word process, and database programs

• Extraordinary customer service and communication skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately; friendly, persuasive speaking and writing style

• Well organized – conscientious and thorough with detail

• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills

• Able to communicate knowledgeably and authoritatively with students

• Must keep abreast of the current research in education

• Must be knowledgeable about multiple theories of teaching

• Understands WGU Teachers College programs, policies, and procedures

• Models and demonstrates professional behaviors and dispositions according to the Teachers College Code of Ethics, Professional Behaviors, and Dispositions

• Must be able to partner with other WGU Teachers College departments including Program Mentors to provide effective support for students in regard to Cohort Seminar Requirements and TPA completion

Preferred Qualifications

• EdTPA scoring and/or student support experience

• K-12 Administrative and/or Coaching experience

• Terminal degree in education or related field

• Elementary and Special Education experience

Special Position Requirements

• This position requires evening and some weekend hours.

Disclaimer: This Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.

Job Type: Part-time