Description

University of Pittsburgh

School of Education

Professor and Chair

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading

FY 2026 Search

Position: Professor and Chair (tenured)

Appointment: Twelve months, full-time; starting August 1, 2026

Overview

The University of Pittsburgh's School of Education seeks a tenured Professor and Chair for the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading (TLL). We desire a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader to work alongside a diverse and dedicated faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. This person will join a vibrant community at a time of synergy, momentum, and action, particularly a thought-partner in the collective work of just educational practices and contexts. The ideal candidate is a transformative and relational leader who will advance our mission-vision by providing scholarly leadership, supporting collaborative efforts with colleagues and communities, addressing inequitable practices, and guiding departmental initiatives in teaching, research, and mentoring.

Context

The School of Education consists of three departments: Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy (EFOP); Health and Human Development (HHD); and Teaching, Learning, and Leading (TLL). Collaboration occurs across departments, centers, and institutes. TLL faculty are engaged scholars and practitioners who connect theory to research and practice, focus on realities and possibilities, and are rigorous, innovative, and empathetic educators. Our students are active learners and change agents who thrive in multidisciplinary and critical thinking. They bring diverse experiences and expertise into our classrooms. The TLL Department Chair works closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, the Dean, Associate Deans, other Chairs, and Center/Institute Directors. The Chair also encourages engagement and partnerships with centers, the laboratory school, institutes, and broader university and community networks.

The Position

The Department Chair will provide strategic direction, advocate for the department's needs, support faculty development, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and foster an inclusive climate and innovation. The Chair is additionally required to support and advance the department's objectives in both teaching and research. Alongside possessing robust praxis-oriented, theoretical, and methodological qualifications that fulfill the criteria for promotion to Full Professor with tenure at the University of Pittsburgh, this scholar-leader will additionally demonstrate:

• Experience creating and strengthening structures, policies, and programming to support the scholarly and professional development of faculty, staff, and students.

• Experience assessing department quality, identifying academic programs that need curricular innovations, and supporting engaged forms of teaching, learning, and leading.

• A strong understanding of how to ensure the department's fiscal integrity and strengthen its culture of engagement, respect, transparency, and accountability.

• An investment in collaborating with the Offices of Admissions and Enrollment Services, Student and Career Services, and Marketing and Communications to provide input on the implementation of a plan for departmental recruitment and retention of students.

• A strong desire to engage, think, collaborate, and partner with colleagues in the School of Education, at the University, and within regional, national, and/or global communities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide academic and administrative leadership to the TLL Department.

• Facilitate faculty recruitment, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development.

• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation processes.

• Manage departmental budgets and resources.

• Support the department within the SOE and the University.

• Promote research productivity and external funding.

• Support and expand partnerships with schools, communities, and external stakeholders.

• Advance the department and SOE's commitment to inclusive excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Teacher Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• Academic qualifications and a record of scholarship commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure.

• Evidence of successful leadership experience in academic or administrative roles.

• Demonstrated commitment to teacher preparation, P-12 partnerships, and issues of equity and access in education.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NCATE/CAEP accreditation and state licensure processes.

• Record of securing external funding and managing grants.

• Experience fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning and change management initiatives.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A letter of application detailing qualifications and vision for the department.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of leadership philosophy.
4. Three representative writing samples.
5. Evidence of teaching effectiveness.
6. Names and contact information for at least six professional references (please note: written copies of letters of reference will be required for all candidates who are invited to an on-campus visit during the finalist round).

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the position, please contact:
Search Committee Co-Chairs Drs. Patricia Crawford pcrawfor@pitt.edu and Jill Sarada jill.sarada@pitt.edu

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