"Assistant/Associate Professor in Elementary Education (Tenure Track), Fall 2026"

The Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at The University of Tennessee seeks a dynamic scholar for a full-time (9-month), tenure-track assistant or associate professor position in Elementary Education. We seek a scholar whose research directly informs teacher education and addresses important challenges in the field. A strong candidate will have a well-articulated research trajectory, a record of scholarship and funding commensurate with experience, and the potential for high-impact contributions to the field of teacher education. A successful candidate will have expertise and/or the potential for excellent teaching in undergraduate and graduate classes in areas related to elementary education. Evidence of the potential for effective collaboration across stakeholders in program planning, curriculum development, and teacher preparation will be critical.

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who can contribute meaningfully to the university’s aspirations as a public, land-grant institution, including expanding access to educational opportunities, removing barriers, and fostering student success.

About the Program

The University of Tennessee is a doctoral institution with very high research activity and considerable emphasis on community engagement. The Department of TPTE prepares teachers, educators, and education researchers to serve local, regional, national, and global communities in elementary, middle grades, and secondary education across a range of disciplines and fields. At the graduate level, we offer master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees, along with several graduate certificate programs.

We seek a colleague whose scholarship addresses pressing challenges facing students, teachers, schools, and communities related to elementary education. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary faculty dedicated to improving public education through research, teaching, and service.

TPTE offers multiple pathways to licensure in Elementary Education, including 4-year and 5-year options that lead to dual licensure in areas such as ESL, Special Education, and Math and Science. Our graduate programs prepare educators for careers in research, teaching, and leadership in universities, colleges, and applied educational settings.

Responsibilities include conducting and publishing high-quality, scholarly research that directly informs teacher education and addresses significant challenges in elementary education, as well as actively pursuing grant funding to support this work. The position also includes teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in elementary education or related areas; collaborating with a team of faculty in development, delivery, and ongoing program improvement; engaging in collaborative relationships with local schools, teachers, and community members; providing service and leadership to local/state and national/international professional organizations; and contributing to recruitment, advising, and administrative duties in accordance with program and department needs.

Required Qualifications at the Assistant Professor Rank:

• Doctoral degree in Elementary Education, or a related field, prior to the start of the appointment in August 2026.
• Record of successful teaching experience in an elementary (K–5) classroom or substantive work with preservice or inservice elementary teachers through professional development, instructional coaching, curriculum development, or other teacher learning contexts.
• Demonstrated record of scholarship.

Required Qualifications at the Associate Professor Rank:

• Doctoral degree in Elementary Education, or a related field, prior to the start of the appointment in August 2026.
• Record of successful teaching experience in an elementary (K–5) classroom or substantive work with preservice or inservice elementary teachers through professional development, instructional coaching, curriculum development, or other teacher learning contexts.
• Demonstrated record of scholarship and external funding.
• Five or more years of experience preparing elementary teachers at the assistant professor rank.

Desired Qualifications at the Assistant or Associate Professor Rank:

• Extensive (5 or more years) and successful teaching experience in an elementary (K–5) classroom or extensive work with preservice or inservice teachers through professional development, instructional coaching, curriculum development, or other teacher learning contexts.
• Significant record of scholarship and experience securing internal/external funding commensurate with experience.
• Strong research methodologies expertise.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: ESL education, math education, and/or cultural studies.
• Demonstrated experience or expertise in the preparation of elementary teachers at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

Interested applicants should submit: 1. A letter of interest outlining their research agenda, teaching experience, and alignment with the department, college, and university goals; 2. Curriculum vita; and 3. The contact information for three references. Application materials should be submitted electronically via the Interfolio portal. General inquiries can be directed to Gina Guinn at gguinn@utk.edu or Dr. Emily Holtz, search committee chair at eholtz@utk.edu. Review of materials will begin on October 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available beginning August 1, 2026.