What's Happening?
The College of the Holy Cross, a Catholic liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Center Fellow position within its Center for Inclusive Excellence in Teaching (CIET). This full-time role aims to support
evidence-based pedagogical and curricular projects that promote faculty engagement in professional development related to teaching. The selected fellow will contribute to the CIET's core programming, develop and lead workshops on topics such as course design, learning-centered assignments, and critical pedagogy, and help shape the center's inclusive excellence curriculum. The position offers full benefits and a starting salary of $70,000, with an initial appointment of two years, potentially renewable for an additional year. The fellow will also teach one course per year and receive a professional development stipend.
Why It's Important?
This postdoctoral fellowship at the College of the Holy Cross signifies a dedicated institutional commitment to enhancing teaching quality and fostering an inclusive learning environment. By investing in a Postdoctoral Center Fellow, the college aims to strengthen its pedagogical practices across disciplines, ensuring that faculty are equipped with the latest strategies for effective and equitable instruction. This initiative is particularly important in higher education, where inclusive excellence in teaching can significantly impact student success, retention, and overall academic experience, especially for a diverse student body. The fellow's work in developing workshops and resources will directly benefit faculty, leading to improved course design and more engaging learning experiences for students. Furthermore, the position offers a valuable opportunity for a scholar to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and gain experience in program development and assessment.
What's Next?
The College of the Holy Cross will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the Postdoctoral Center Fellow position is filled. Initial interviews for selected candidates will be conducted via Zoom, followed by campus visits for finalists. The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible. The fellow's responsibilities will include developing and leading workshops, contributing to the CIET's curriculum, and undertaking a SoTL project aligned with the center's mission. The College's commitment to supporting new faculty with visa sponsorship, where appropriate, indicates its proactive approach to attracting a diverse pool of qualified candidates. The ongoing work of the CIET, supported by this fellowship, will continue to shape the pedagogical landscape at Holy Cross, promoting continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of a Postdoctoral Center Fellow for Inclusive Excellence in Teaching at the College of the Holy Cross reflects a broader trend in higher education towards prioritizing pedagogical innovation and equity. This role goes beyond traditional faculty development by focusing specifically on inclusive excellence, acknowledging that effective teaching must address the diverse needs and backgrounds of all students. The emphasis on critical pedagogy and learning-centered assignments suggests a move towards more student-centric and culturally responsive teaching methods. This initiative could serve as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance their teaching and learning centers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and scholarly inquiry into educational practices. Ultimately, the long-term impact could be a more equitable and effective educational experience for students, better preparing them for a diverse and complex world.
