Department Of Primary And Early Childhood Education
Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.
The Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.
The Department
The Rhodes University Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education (PECE) is peopled by staff and students committed to educational and socio-economic redress and transformation within the challenging post-colonial context of South Africa and our continent. Integral to these ideals are our commitment to supporting multilingualism, literacy and numeracy, interdisciplinarity, extensive subject knowledge inclusive of indigenous and other situated knowledges, creative and innovative classroom pedagogies (such as play-based and experiential learning), and critical assessment practices. We strive to develop competent, creative and reflexive Foundation Phase teachers who understand and can adapt their teaching for different learning contexts. Our expanding programmes in leadership and management, creative arts, mathematics education, multilingualism, STEAM Education and Education for Sustainable Development; lead and contribute to international research programmes and attract high quality researchers from around Africa. These researchers explore enabling teaching and learning processes and practice engaged research, in which they develop scholarly solutions for contextually relevant education challenges, and address local and global sustainability education needs. Our postgraduate scholars are supported by a long-standing series of research design courses, doctoral weeks and research schools.
Main Objectives
All academics are responsible for disseminating knowledge (teaching and learning), creating knowledge (research), community engagement, and professional involvement in their field beyond the university, recognizing differences in executing these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty, and/or University level.
In addition, a Professor and Associate Professor are to provide academic leadership in the following areas: teaching and learning, research, professional involvement in the field, and community engagement, as well as to contribute towards the institution's governance. This leadership contribution of the Professor should be evidenced at the departmental, Faculty and institutional levels.
The Requirements
A PhD in Education with extensive research and at least six years of primary teacher education experience.
- Extensive teaching and research experience in one of the following: Mathematics Education, Life Skills Education, or Language Education (IsiXhosa).
- Teaching experience in one of the following areas: Education Studies, Psychology in Education, Sociology in Education, Philosophy in Education, Curriculum, and Pedagogy.
- At least two years of school teaching experience.
- Research and experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education would be advantageous.
- Extensive research supervision of postgraduate degrees required, preferably up to PhD Level.
- National and emerging international research profile in primary education.
- Track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles.
Prospective candidates must read the following for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted:
- Job Profile
- A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, which should include the following: -
- Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
- Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
- A strong and succinct motivation that tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.
Any questions or inquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.
Selection Process (provisional Date, Subject To Change)
- Short-listing meeting tbc
- The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.
Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R887, 318.00
Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1 138, 361.00
All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.
Rhodes University has a vaccination mandate as part of its Conditions of Service. The implementation of the vaccine mandate has been held in abeyance from 01 January 2023. Should the COVID-19 situation change in a way that the number of cases of COVID-19 pose a threat to the University, the implementation of the Vaccine Mandate will be re-activated and all staff would be required to be fully vaccinated.
Closing Date: 22 July 2024
If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.
Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other to achieve our vision and mission.
These Values Are
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion
