Position

The Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Social & Behavioral Sciences at John Brown University (JBU) seeks a full-time faculty position in Math Education with duties as the Professional Development School Director beginning in the Fall of 2023.  Faculty rank is dependent on qualifications. The Teacher Education Program at JBU is a locally and state-recognized program dedicated to excellence in the field, innovative teaching through direct K-12 classroom experiences, and rigorous pedological training to equip them to honor Christ and serve their communities. JBU departments have robust collegial inter-department relationships; therefore, the ability to teach introductory mathematics at the college level (e.g., algebra, statistics, trigonometry) in the Math Department is a significant aspect of the job. We envision this position contributing to a care-based culture and pedagogy for underserved student populations, reducing stigma with math challenges, and creating confidence in math. JBU’s Department of Teacher Education seeks and prepares teacher candidates to teach in public, private, or Christian schools and develops educators who are skilled professionals and reflective decision-makers exhibiting Christ-like characteristics in their professional and personal lives.

The candidate would teach undergraduate students and direct the professional development school partnership. The appointment would be 50% teaching and 50% directorship. We seek a candidate with (a) experience in teaching math in a K-12 setting; (b) knowledge of schools in the Northwest Arkansas area to coordinate field experiences, practicum, and internships for JBU Teacher Education students; and, most importantly (c) the willingness and ability to disciple students in a Christ-honoring manner. Ideal candidates should have familiarity with math standards and curriculums; have experience teaching introductory mathematics at the college level (e.g., algebra, statistics, trigonometry); and pedagogical expertise and care to support students’ success in math-related courses; experience working with stakeholders in K-12 education; experience working with diverse learners, overseeing program implementation (among multiple sites and parties); innovative ideas for engaging with Christian private K-12 schools in the area; and have enthusiasm for engaging students in their Christian formative growth. 

Important Dates

The position begins on August 1, 2023. The screening process begins May 2023, and continues until the position is filled.

Institution

John Brown University’s mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Founded in 1919, JBU is a Christ-centered, Biblically-faithful, interdenominational university that represents the best of Protestant evangelicalism in our commitment to the following theological principles: the fundamental human need for conversion and lifelong discipleship; the centrality of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the redemption of human beings; high regard for, and obedience to, the Bible as our authority; and active involvement in a local church, in missions and in ministries that work for Biblical justice and serve people in need. At JBU, we seek to integrate faith and learning, foster holistic Christian formation, promote pragmatic liberal arts education, and prepare people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life. All employees must affirm JBU’s Employee Expectations and Articles of Faith.

With more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 48 countries, JBU offers approximately 50 undergraduate programs, seven fully online bachelor’s degrees and 16 graduate degrees in business, education, cybersecurity and counseling. JBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds program-specific accreditations from various agencies. More information is available at jbu.edu/accreditation.

JBU has benefited from stable and excellent leadership throughout the organization. President Chip Pollard started in 2004 and has led the organization in consistently meeting enrollment goals, completing two capital campaigns and launching a third, completing two strategic plans and launching a third, 17 major building projects, encouraging efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students, and navigating the educational and financial challenges of the pandemic successfully. He served on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) board for thirteen years and as chair for five years. Most of the president’s cabinet has served for over 20 years, and all cabinet members have held volunteer leadership positions in the CCCU, ACSD, CIC, NACUBO, and other higher education associations. JBU’s board of trustees are people of deep Christian faith, generous spirit, and professional expertise, with an average length of service of 11 years. They are deeply committed to maintaining JBU’s mission to educate students to honor God and serve others.

JBU has experienced a season of God’s favor and blessing, for which we are grateful. In the last 20 years, JBU has received over $300 million in gifts and grants and has built or renovated over 90% of the university’s facilities. JBU has only about $4 million of debt on over $220 million of assets. During that same time, JBU’s endowment has grown from about $50 million to over $150 million, much of it dedicated to scholarships and academic programs and to support maintenance costs for new facilities. This financial strength has enabled JBU to retain excellent faculty and staff with consistent compensation increases and funds for faculty and staff development. JBU has not been not immune to the economic and cultural challenges facing higher education, but it is positioned better than many institutions to respond.

JBU has received national recognition from many national newspapers and industry journals. For instance, in seven out of the last eight years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named JBU on its “high honor roll” in its “Great Place to Work” survey. Two out of the last three years, The Wall Street Journal has named JBU the best public or private university in Arkansas. We are typically in the top 10% in our category (master’s level universities in the South) in U.S. News and World Report rankings.

JBU is located in Northwest Arkansas, a region predicted to have the third fastest job growth rate in the country behind only Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of the largest corporations in the world are located here—Walmart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt—and there is a growing technology, entrepreneurial, and art business ecosystem in the region. The quality of life is enhanced with a world-class art museum, Crystal Bridges, 25 miles from campus, over 400 miles of mountain biking trails, several state and national historic sites, parks, and large lakes, and a new $33 million whitewater rafting park just five miles south of campus. Siloam Springs has approximately 17,500 people with affordable housing and good private and public schools.

Diversity

JBU desires to increase the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students to honor how all humans are created in the image of God, to reflect better the diversity of the Kingdom of God, to further our Christian commitment to justice, and to increase the quality of our educational experience. JBU is pursuing the goal of teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from ethnic minorities and women. For more information, visit our diversity webpage. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Math or Math Education.
• An Arkansas teaching license or ability to attain one.
• Experience teaching in K-12 settings.
• Must be able to teach algebra in the Math Department.
• A commitment to working with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff.
• Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a member of a Christian congregation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in student success, care, and mentorship of student populations with academic challenges in math.
• Willingness to model a variety of teaching strategies.
• Demonstrated experience with diverse populations.
• Experience with discipleship and Christian moral formation.

About John Brown University

John Brown University's mission is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. We are a Christ-centered, interdenominational university that leads the nation in integrating faith and learning, fostering holistic spiritual formation, promoting pragmatic liberal arts education, and preparing people to follow Christ’s call to serve others in all areas of life.

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