Education Department Chair

Position Purpose:
Manage all elements of the Education Program (Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education) in the Valparaiso campus Service Area, including enrollment management, program administration, instructional quality, and human resource management, ensuring coordination with academic and non-academic departments. Provide quality and engaging instruction in all delivery methods and formats within specific academic programs; provide timely and meaningful feedback to students regarding the mastery of course and program learning outcomes; engage students outside of class in support of the curriculum and co-curriculum; provide institutional support and community service; participate meaningfully in student retention and completion initiatives; support the College’s mission and strategic plan initiatives; conform to regional expectations of faculty performance and engagement.
LOCATION: In person at the Valparaiso Ivy Tech campus.
START DATE: December 1st, 2026
COMPENSATION:
This position is a nine-month academic-year contract. The minimum salary for this position at an F2 (Instructor) rank is $48,000 - $55,000 for a nine-month contract.
Additional contracts for summer month teaching may be available, depending on enrollment. Additional chair compensation will also be available. Actual salary and rank will depend on education and experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
INSTRUCTION
Deliver assigned classes using pedagogy and technology that best support student learning, and in accordance with college loading policy, course objectives, and program learning outcomes.
Develop and maintain curriculum and support course materials in keeping with and furtherance of course objectives and program learning outcomes.
Maintain student records, attendance, grades, and other documentation as required. Manage a classroom environment conducive to student learning and in adherence to federal, state, and college safety standards and practices.
Facilitate student achievement of expected program learning outcomes.
Use Learning Management System (Ivy Learn- Canvas ) to facilitate teaching, learning, assessment, and communication.
RETENTION AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Provide academic-related coaching and academic monitoring to assigned student advisees in partnership with professional academic advising staff.
Monitor and document student performance throughout the semester, including use of technology for academic advising alerts; provide necessary interventions to include communication with students, tutoring and other academic supports, and referrals to appropriate college resources.
Maintain posted office hours and student engagement hours in accordance with regional expectations and the faculty loading policy in the Academic Support and Operations Manual (ASOM 07.02.00).
Promote and assist in student recruitment, retention, and successful completion of programs, including outreach to students by phone, technology tools, and other electronic means.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Participate in professional development activities that may include scheduled training, time spent onsite in related business and industries, and self-study to advance instructional and technical skills as well as current knowledge within the field of study.
Participate in scholarly activities related to the discipline/focus, in fulfillment of annual performance plans, and as required for certification and licensure.
Stay current in contemporary pedagogy, digital technology, and other technology related to teaching that best support student learning.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND BUSINESS OUTREACH
Participate in community service activities on behalf of the college to advance the college’s relationships within its service area as appropriate for department/division/college.
Develop community/industry/business contacts to advance college relationships within service area as appropriate in the department and division.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Provide institutional support as requested by college administration such as participation on committees and task forces, projects related to college and program accreditations, and grant-related projects.
Support and engage with Career Link and Development (Ivy Tech Foundations).
Attend commencement and participate as assigned by regional administration.
Participate in college/campus-wide meetings and departmental/division/faculty meetings.
Participate in career service and alumni activities.
Adhere to college and regional academic policies.
ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Review and analyze program data as related to completion and retention.
Determine and lead action steps positively impacting retention.
Support development of student internships and other real-world experiences to support the curriculum and student experiential learning.
Ensure the quality of discipline-specific dual credit courses within local high schools. (Please review ASOM 04.03.00 – Credit Transfer Awarding/Dual Credit for listing of specific responsibilities ).
Create course schedules cnducive to student learning and student access, in consideration of the needs of Career Link, and maximize utilization of existing classrooms and laboratories.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Complete annual Program Review, which includes analysis of trend data and resources.
As appropriate, engage internally and externally with employers and other economic sector experts, deans, vice presidents, and as a member of the statewide curriculum committee to ensure alignment of quality, relevant, and market-driven curriculum.
Maintain office administrative hours in accordance with the faculty loading guidelines in ASOM 07.02.00 – Faculty Job Descriptions and Loading.
Coordinate program advisory committees and assure broad-based membership and participatory agendas.
If applicable, oversee equipment purchases and maintenance and supplies for instructional laboratories.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Coordinate recruitment, evaluation, and development of full-time and adjunct faculty with Human Resources and the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (or designee).
Review and respond to faculty, staff and student issues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A qualified faculty member in Education meets all of the following criteria:
Possesses an earned master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in Education or a related field appropriate to the program, and
Has one of the following:
Current or expired professional state teaching license/certification or
Three years of elementary or secondary teaching experience.
Must possess a Science of Reading credential or earn one within 12 months of hire.
*Please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or certifications in order to be considered for this position*