"Assistant/Associate Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice of Indian Education"

Job Description

The Division of Educational Leadership of the University of South Dakota’s School of Education invites applicants for an open Assistant/Associate Professor of Indian Education (tenure-track) or Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice of Indian Education (non-tenure-track) position. This is an on-campus, nine-month position with the possibility of summer teaching. The successful candidate for this position will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in South Dakota Indian studies, culture, and education. The successful candidate should also possess knowledge related to the historical and contemporary life of Indigenous people from North America, including the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota (Sioux Tribes), as well as American Indian cultural dynamics, history, teaching, and learning. The successful candidate will also have knowledge of teaching methods, context, and materials to equip future educators to teach bi-culturally. Successful candidates should also possess a professional and academic background to complement the strengths of Division faculty and to address the needs of students in programs across the School of Education and university community. Faculty members in the assistant/associate professor and assistant/associate professor of practice ranks are expected to make contributions in teaching, research, and service, in addition to mentoring students in and out of the classroom. Our educator preparation programs are CAEP accredited, and widely respected for training highly competent, well-prepared educators.

Qualifications

Applicants must be able to teach courses in South Dakota Indian studies, culture, and education. Preference will be given to those applicants who (a) have at least three years of experience in PK-12 schools, (b) have had successful teaching experiences in college/university settings through face-to-face and online learning modalities, (c) have the ability to create positive relationships with students, (d) communicate a promising research agenda that contributes meaningfully to the work of the School of Education, and (e) have experience forming and supporting partnerships with Native American communities, schools, and other organizations.

Applicants must possess an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in Native American Studies, Educational Leadership, Adult and Higher Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Studies, or another closely related field by August 22, 2026. Applicants must show evidence of accomplishments or strong potential for success in teaching, research leading to publication, and professional service.

Salary/Compensation

Salary is commensurate with qualifications; however, the minimum salary for this position is $60,000 with the possibility of summer employment for additional compensation.

Application Deadline

First review date March 9, 2026. Open until filled.

Application Procedure

Available online at yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Daniel Mourlam at daniel.mourlam@usd.edu. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

REQUIRED APPLICANT DOCUMENTS

• Cover letter that includes the following information:
  • Description of applicant’s interest in the position.
  • Description of applicant’s qualifications for the position.
  • Description of research program.
• Professional curriculum vitae.
• List and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
• Academic transcripts.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

The University of South Dakota is a comprehensive; liberal arts based state institution with an enrollment over 10,000 students. Basic and professional programs are available in the School of Education, School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Fine Arts, and the College of Arts and Sciences.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

The School of Education is organized into four basic Divisions: Teacher Residency & Education: Educational Leadership; Counseling and Psychology in Education; and Kinesiology & Sport Management. Graduate work is available through the doctorate in several program areas. The Education unit is accredited/approved by CAEP, CACREP, and NASP.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.