The School of Health Professions at Shenandoah University invites applications for a Core Faculty position in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Weekend Program (MSOT-W). This is a full-time, career-contract track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, based at the Health Professions Building in Winchester, Virginia.

The MSOT Weekend Program is a hybrid program designed for nontraditional students. Coursework is delivered through a combination of online instruction and structured on-campus weekend sessions. The program emphasizes academic rigor, accessibility, and community-building while maintaining full alignment with ACOTE standards.

Primary Responsibilities:

Hybrid Teaching Model

• Teach in a hybrid weekend format with required on-campus presence during scheduled face-to-face sessions (approximately 7 weekends each during fall and spring semesters and 4 weekends during the summer semester).
• Participate in additional on-campus activities as needed, including faculty meetings, program planning, service commitments, and university events.
• When not required on campus, faculty may work remotely while supporting students, developing curriculum, engaging in scholarship, and fulfilling other academic responsibilities.

Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Teach and coordinate courses focused on pediatric occupational therapy practice and foundational OT concepts, with support of scholarly inquiry activities within the MSOT curriculum.
• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing revision to ensure alignment with ACOTE standards, evidence-based practice, and contemporary occupational therapy education.

Student Advising and Mentorship

• Provide academic advising and mentoring to students throughout the didactic and clinical phases of the MSOT program.
• Support student professional development and success in a manner responsive to diverse learning styles and backgrounds.

Scholarship

• Engage in ongoing scholarly activity consistent with career-contract faculty expectations.
• Mentor and support student research and capstone projects.
• Contribute to a culture of scholarship within the Division of Occupational Therapy and the School of Health Professions.

Service

• Participate in service activities at the program, school, university, and professional levels.
• Engage in professional and community service that supports the mission and visibility of the occupational therapy program.

Interprofessional Collaboration

• Collaborate with faculty from other health profession programs to support interprofessional education and collaborative learning experiences.

Recruitment and Retention

• Participate in recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Support program and university efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within occupational therapy education.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Educational Background:

  • Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program is required. A doctoral degree (clinical or research-focused) is preferred.

• Scholarship:

  • Demonstrated engagement in scholarship appropriate for a teaching-focused academic role, including clinically relevant scholarship, educational scholarship, or participation in research activities related to occupational therapy practice or education.

• Certifications and Licensure:

  • Current NBCOT certification and eligibility for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia are required.

• Professional Membership:

  • Active membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is preferred.

• Communication ****and ****Interpersonal ****Skills: ****

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to foster inclusive learning environments, support diverse student needs, and collaborate effectively within academic and clinical communities.

Required Experience

• Clinical ****Experience: ****

  • A minimum of two years of clinical occupational therapy experience is preferred.
  • Pediatric practice experience (e.g., early intervention, school-based practice, outpatient pediatrics, or pediatric mental health) is strongly preferred and should inform teaching and mentorship within the curriculum.

• Teaching Experience:

  • A minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate teaching experience is preferred.
  • Experience teaching pediatric content, foundational occupational therapy concepts, and/or scholarly inquiry within occupational therapy education is preferred.

Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, Virginia, is a private university committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-centered learning. Founded in 1875, Shenandoah offers more than 200 programs across six schools and places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, community engagement, and professional preparation.

Winchester is a historic city situated near Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, offering access to outdoor recreation alongside a vibrant Old Town district with local shops, dining, and cultural events. The area provides a balance of small-city living with proximity to the Washington, DC metropolitan region.

The School of Health Professions prepares graduates for ethical, collaborative, and evidence-based practice across health disciplines. Shenandoah University is committed to equal opportunity and to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

How to Apply:

The Complete application submissions will include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

To ensure a comprehensive and equitable review, applicants are asked to submit the following materials. These documents will help the selection committee understand each candidate’s qualifications, teaching approach, clinical expertise in pediatric practice, and commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment:

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

A current curriculum vitae or resume detailing educational background, professional experience, clinical practice (including pediatric settings, as applicable), certifications and licensure, scholarly activities, teaching experience, and service or leadership roles within occupational therapy or related fields.

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

A concise statement describing the applicant’s teaching philosophy and instructional approach. This statement should address methods for engaging diverse learners, integrating evidence-based practice into teaching, and supporting student development within pediatric and foundational occupational therapy coursework.

Letter of Intent

The letter of intent should describe the applicant’s interest in the position and alignment with the mission and goals of the MSOT Weekend Program. Applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant pediatric clinical and teaching experience, approaches to mentoring and advising students, and contributions to curriculum development.

Shenandoah University values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in education. Applicants should include a statement describing their approach to fostering an inclusive learning environment and any prior or planned activities related to DEIJ within academic, clinical, or community contexts.

Professional References

Contact information for three ****professional ****references , including names, titles, organizations, and email addresses. References should be able to speak to the applicant’s teaching effectiveness, clinical expertise (particularly in pediatric practice, when applicable), scholarly engagement, and professional collaboration. References from a combination of academic and clinical settings are preferred.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas. **
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Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Required Qualifications:

• Educational Background:

  • Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program is required. A doctoral degree (clinical or research-focused) is preferred.

• Scholarship:

  • Demonstrated engagement in scholarship appropriate for a teaching-focused academic role, including clinically relevant scholarship, educational scholarship, or participation in research activities related to occupational therapy practice or education.

• Certifications and Licensure:

  • Current NBCOT certification and eligibility for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia are required.

• Professional Membership:

  • Active membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is preferred.

• Communication ****and ****Interpersonal ****Skills: ****

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to foster inclusive learning environments, support diverse student needs, and collaborate effectively within academic and clinical communities.