Assistant Professor (Professional Writing)

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Department of English invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of English (Professional Writing) to begin in August 2022.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good. 

The College of Arts and Humanities is a regional innovator in education that cultivates interdisciplinary collaboration, artistic and cultural programming, and inclusive and engaged citizenship. With over 500 undergraduates, 80 graduate students, and more than 70 full-time and adjunct faculty, the English Department is a large and dynamic community dedicated to building knowledge in the field of English Studies. 

 Responsibilities include: 

• Teaching Professional and Technical Writing and First Year Writing 

•  Advising and mentoring students 

• Maintaining an active research agenda 

• Serving the University and the community through participation in various committees 

The typical course load involves teaching four courses per semester. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in English, Rhetoric & Composition, Professional Writing, and/or Technical Communication, completed or expected by August 2022  

• Demonstrated experience in teaching professional and technical writing courses 

• Research agenda in any area related to professional and technical writing 

Preferred Qualifications

• Area of specialization in one or more of the following: professional writing and social justice; professional writing and/as social or community advocacy; professional writing and community engagement; professional writing and ethics; disability studies; or accessibility  

• Demonstrated experience in teaching first-year writing courses  

• Evidence of scholarly engagement in areas related to professional writing and social justice  

• Demonstrated experience with service and/or committee work at the program, departmental, college/university, or national level 

The ideal candidate will have an enthusiastic commitment to teaching professional and technical writing as well as first-year writing and be an active contributor to a growing minor program in professional and technical writing through innovative curricula, assessment, and programming. Recognizing that a diverse campus community strengthens the learning environment and our community, WCU seeks applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in an academic setting. 

Special Instructions

The following materials should be submitted to the West Chester University Electronic Submission site:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Statement of teaching philosophy

• A listing of contact information for three references

• A diversity statement will be requested of all finalists

• Copies of graduate transcripts will be requested of all finalists

• Official transcripts required prior to employment

Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Finalists must provide a diversity statement and official graduate and undergraduate transcripts and successfully complete interviews, a research presentation and a teaching demonstration.

 
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background checks.