Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Faculty Position

Job Description

Franciscan University, founded in 1946 by the friars of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve 2,500 students from all 50 states and 17 countries on campus and an additional 1,000 students online. Franciscan University is one of 18 faithfully Catholic universities in the U.S. endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society.

The Department of Education at Franciscan University of Steubenville seeks to hire a tenure-track faculty member for its newly approved, fully online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program. The MAEd program is scheduled to launch in Summer 2027. The tenure-track faculty appointment will begin in August 2026, thus allowing for continued program development and preparation for program launch. The preferred rank is Assistant Professor, though candidates at other ranks will be considered commensurate with experience. This faculty position includes program development and leadership responsibilities and is expected to serve as Director for the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program. Although the primary teaching focus will be within the MAEd program, the position will also include teaching select on-ground undergraduate education courses and will be based at Franciscan University's campus in Steubenville, Ohio.

Program Mission and Vision

The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program is a fully online graduate program designed to form educators and educational leaders who unite professional excellence with a deep fidelity to the Catholic faith. Rooted in Christian anthropology, the Catholic intellectual tradition, and the Franciscan charism, the program will prepare educators to serve as master teachers, leaders, and witnesses in Catholic schools and other educational settings. The curriculum is intentionally designed to contribute to the revitalization of Catholic education. Candidates for this position should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of Franciscan University and possess a compelling vision for integrating faith and reason, pedagogy and formation, and research and professional practice within graduate-level education coursework.

Major Responsibilities:

Teach graduate-level MAEd courses in a fully online format, with potential focus areas including Christian anthropology and education, curriculum and assessment, educational research, and social issues in education. The role will also include teaching select on ground undergraduate education courses.

Design and deliver rigorous, engaging, and research-informed instruction that integrates Catholic educational philosophy and Church teaching.

Articulate for students how Catholic teaching, Catholic educational philosophy, and the Franciscan charism inform professional educational practice.

Contribute to ongoing program development, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts for the MAEd program.

Collaborate with departmental faculty, program leadership, and University partners, and external partners for ongoing program enhancements & growth.

Mentor and advise graduate students, including supervision of capstone research projects as appropriate.

Engage in scholarly, professional, and/or service activities aligned with the mission, needs, and expectations of the Department of Education and the University.

Qualifications:

Required:
Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution by August 2026.

Demonstrated experience in teaching, leadership, or professional practice within K-12 education, higher education, or Catholic educational settings.

Devoted to ongoing professional development and engagement with current educational research and best practices.

Clear commitment to Catholic education and to the mission of Franciscan University

Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence and scholarship

Preferred:
Experience in Catholic education (Catholic schools, diocesan leadership, catechetical formation, or related ministries).

Experience teaching or developing college-level coursework.

Application Materials:
To apply, please submit the following materials electronically:
Letter of application

Curriculum vitae

Statement of teaching philosophy

Statement addressing personal and professional fit with the mission of Franciscan University

Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including evaluations if available

Three letters of reference

Official transcripts

All materials must be submitted electronically to Dr. Rebecca Rook, via nhough@franciscan.edu. Review of completed applications will continue until the position is filled. Franciscan University of
Steubenville is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.

Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Employer

Franciscan University is a private coeducational university which provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Catholic Franciscan tradition.