California Polytechnic State University is a teaching-centered university committed to the “teacher-scholar model” in which teaching and scholarship are valued as mutually beneficial practices. Faculty are encouraged to create vibrant learning experiences while advancing scholarship through research-engaged coursework. Position begins on September 16, 2024.
In the spirit of the teacher-scholar model, the Architecture Teacher Scholar position was established in 2021 to bring emerging educators to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to infuse the curriculum and community with a rich diversity of discourse, design philosophies, methods, and pedagogical approaches. The position is an opportunity for those interested in a career in academia to gain experience in a vibrant nationally recognized architecture program.
The polytechnic tradition at Cal Poly emphasizes application, reflection, collaboration and project-based learning, succinctly described as “learn by doing.” The College of Architecture and Environmental Design encourages creative inquiry, making, and theoretical speculation, supported by extensive analog and digital fabrication facilities and the Neel Resource Center. The CAED also maintains a nine-acre outdoor experimental construction laboratory, Poly Canyon, and an indoor fabrication and construction facility, the Simpson Strong-Tie Materials Demonstration Lab.
At California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, we believe cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences, and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Position Description
Teacher Scholars will engage in full-time teaching, including design studios and contributing to core areas of our curriculum, such as history, theory, and criticism; building technology fundamentals and systems integration; and representation. Candidates are asked to identify areas of expertise that contribute to the mission of the department. In addition, Teacher Scholars are encouraged to engage in related creative pursuits that contribute to our evolving curriculum. The position is designed for those with a clear pedagogical intent and intellectual project, and who are interested in academic careers and expanding modes of architectural practice. Established Cal Poly faculty will provide mentorship and a collaborative environment within which an exchange of ideas around curriculum and pedagogy can be explored.
Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. (Anticipated hiring range: $72,000 - $81,600 per year).
Roles and Responsibilities
- Engage in the undergraduate architecture program through teaching in one or more of our curricular areas, including: design studio; history, theory, and criticism; building technology fundamentals and systems integration; and representation.
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Teach a design studio plus additional courses in Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.
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Actively contribute toward the evolving pedagogy and curriculum.
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Share research and creative work undertaken during this position with the architecture community through exhibition, lecture, or other means determined by the candidate.
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Participate in departmental meetings and retreats focused on curriculum assessment and development.
Term
The Architecture Teacher Scholar will receive a one-year full-time position with the possibility to extend to an additional year based on department needs and the candidate's performance.
Minimum Qualifications
Successful applicants must hold a professional degree in architecture or allied discipline from an accredited program (B.Arch, M.Arch or equivalent). Candidates must demonstrate an innovative approach to architectural education. Through the application process, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their specific ability to contribute to one or more of the curricular areas listed below.
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Design Studio (various year levels across the undergraduate curriculum)
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Architectural History, Theory and Criticism
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Building Technology Fundamentals and Architectural Systems Integration
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Representation
Preferred Qualifications
Additional consideration may be given to those with advanced degrees, previous teaching experience, and/or relevant experience in professional practice, as well as to current PhD candidates who have completed their coursework and exams (ABD). Due to the collaborative nature of teaching at Cal Poly, a record of successful collaboration is preferred. Additional consideration will also be given to candidates with specialization in a scholarly area that addresses diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion issues relevant to architecture and/or demonstrated significant experience in working with underrepresented students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring or community engagement. Candidates will have an opportunity to describe, and where possible provide evidence, of their approaches to inclusive teaching practices and addressing diversity in their teaching, research, and/or professional practice.
Department Information
The Architecture Department has a strong reputation for providing a rigorous education. The architecture program attracts a diverse population, including approximately 800 undergraduate students from across the United States and abroad.
See the following links for further information about the college, department, and university.
Special Conditions
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin on February 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. For consideration, please submit the following:
1) Cover Letter
- Description of your interest in the Cal Poly Architecture Teacher Scholar position.
- Description of current theoretical and pedagogical areas of inquiry.
- For each curricular area that you select in the application, provide a brief description of your applicable knowledge and experience.
- Description of a successful collaborative experience.
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Diversity Statement
- Statement of Diversity and Inclusion describing experience, contributions, and efforts, alongside a description of how you might demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly.
4) Portfolio of relevant design or research work which should include evidence of potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship. The portfolio should be no more than 50 pages and should have a maximum file size of 30 MB.
5) Transcripts of highest degree.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Three letters of recommendation will be required of finalists. Official transcripts confirming degrees will be required prior to appointment.