Director for the Quality Educator Support Team (QuEST) Program and Faculty

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

The SLU School of Education is seeking a dedicated and innovative Director for the Quality Educator Support Team (QuEST) Program Faculty (Open Rank). The Director will play a key role in preparing and supporting new teachers, particularly within historically marginalized communities in the St. Louis region. The QuEST Program is designed to strengthen the teacher pipeline and improve retention and effectiveness by providing targeted support for educators from the student teaching stage through their early career years.

The Director will also be responsible for coordinating field experiences for undergraduate and postgraduate students, managing certification requirements for students and alumni, and working in collaboration with SLU's certification officer. This position will contribute to the School of Education's mission to develop well-prepared, socially conscious educators who are ready to serve diverse communities and advocate for educational equity.

Position Summary:

This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track, position in the SLU School of Education, which combines academic instruction and student support with program leadership. This is an open-ranked search with a two-year, grant-funded appointment with the possibility of renewal. The role involves overseeing the QuEST Program, coordinating student field experiences and supports, ensuring students meet state certification requirements, and teaching in the undergraduate and/or graduate teacher preparation programs (as needed). The Director will work closely with faculty, school partners, and support staff to ensure high levels of support for our pre-service and in-service teachers.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Lead the Quality Educator Support Team (QuEST) Program to provide structured support and mentorship for new teachers from the student teaching phase through their first two years of professional teaching.
• Develop and manage partnerships with high-need schools to support the placement, development, and retention of program participants.
• Secure ongoing program funding and report on program outcomes, including teacher retention and effectiveness.

Professional Development Organization

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate professional development events, training sessions, seminars, and workshops to support the QuEST Program's goals of improving teacher retention and effectiveness in high-need urban schools.
• Assess the effectiveness of professional development offerings and make data-informed adjustments to ensure continued alignment with program outcomes and participant needs.

Field Experience Coordination

• Organize and oversee field placements for undergraduate and graduate students, including recruitment and training of coaches and university supervisors.
• Develop relationships with local schools and districts to ensure high-quality placement experiences that align with program learning objectives.

Certification and Compliance

• Support students and alumni with certification requirements to ensure compliance with Missouri and other state standards.
• Guide students through certification processes, from initial application to completion, and provide regular updates on certification policies and changes.

Teaching, Service, and Engagement

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses within the School of Education, focusing on areas relevant to teacher preparation and early-career development.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, program development, and service activities within the School of Education.

• Collaborate with other faculty and departments to contribute to the overall mission and strategic goals of SLU's teacher preparation programs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• One or both of the following degree completions.
  • Master's degree in education or a related field by the start date.
  • Doctorate in education or a related field by the start date.
• At least three years of successful K-12 teaching experience, with a focus on high-need and/or urban settings.
• Experience in teacher preparation, including field supervision and/or mentoring of new teachers.
• Knowledge of teacher certification processes and experience supporting certification requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in education or a related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated success in program leadership or educational program administration, particularly in teacher induction or early-career support.
• Experience in organizing and supervising student field experiences, including managing partnerships with K-12 schools.
• Strong commitment to social justice and educational equity, with experience supporting educators in diverse and underserved communities.
• Record of scholarship in teacher preparation, urban education, or related fields.

Context:

Saint Louis University (SLU), established 1818, is the oldest institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River and is a world-class Catholic, Jesuit institution educating nearly 13,000 students. SLU's 230-acre urban campus is in midtown Saint Louis, providing students, faculty, and staff a close-knit community in the middle of a lively city. The Saint Louis metro region is home to nearly 3 million people and provides a mix of midwestern friendliness and large-city amenities.

The School of Education (SOE) shares in the 470-year-old Jesuit tradition of excellence in education focusing on the growth of the whole person. The purpose of Jesuit education is to develop women and men for and with others. Saint Louis University, and the School of Education, is committed to intellectual rigor and the use of knowledge for the betterment of our local, national, and international communities. The School is recognized as a leader in the state and region. More than 30 percent of the public-school superintendents in Missouri and approximately 40 percent of all Catholic school leaders in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis hold degrees from SLU. This academic year, the SLU School of Education is celebrating 100 years of educating educators.

As a Jesuit institution, SLU is committed to inclusivity and anti-racism. In a letter to SLU Alumni in June 2020, President Fred Pestello wrote, "We are all called to do better - to be better. Racism has no place at Saint Louis University. Our Jesuit mission calls us to be people for and with others, and as I have said before, solidarity and community mean that we never have to face such evil alone." The School of Education at SLU has a unique opportunity to carry out our Jesuit mission every day. The faculty in the SOE are training and educating the next generation of leaders who work collaboratively to identify and dismantle systems that perpetuate inequities and injustice.

Salary and Starting Date: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with rank and experience. The proposed starting date is January 2025.

Application Process: Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and names of three references with full contact information. All applications should be submitted online at Saint Louis University Careers website. For full consideration, all applications should be submitted by January 6th, at which time the search committee will begin the review of applications. This search will remain open until filled.

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.