Assistant Professor in Elementary Education (Reading) - Tenure Track

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Department Information

The Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University prepares future educators and professionals to serve schools, communities, and the workforce. The College offers programs in teacher preparation and interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on high-quality instruction, experiential learning, professional preparation, and student success. Through academic coursework, field and clinical experiences, community partnerships, and innovative learning opportunities, the College prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute to Georgia's education and workforce needs.

Job Summary

The Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, 10-month faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level beginning January 2027. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise and teaching experience in Science of Reading/literacy education and/or Elementary Education. The faculty member will teach undergraduate and post-baccalaureate teacher preparation courses, support preservice teachers during clinical experiences, contribute to program and accreditation requirements, research and/or grants, engage in scholarship and service, and collaborate with faculty and P-12 partners to strengthen educator preparation and student success.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Science of Reading/literacy, Elementary Education, and Middle Grades Education, based on program and departmental needs.
• Integrate evidence-based literacy practices across coursework and prepare teacher candidates to apply effective instructional strategies in diverse educational settings.
• Advise, mentor, supervise, and evaluate preservice and post-baccalaureate teacher candidates throughout field experiences and clinical practice placements.
• Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives to support program quality and student success.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student learning outcomes, field experiences, certification requirements, and program effectiveness measures.
• Engage in scholarly research, professional development, and other activities consistent with tenure and promotion expectations.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service through committee work, leadership activities, and professional engagement.
• Collaborate with P-12 school partners and community stakeholders to strengthen program partnerships and support candidate success.
• Support recruitment, retention, certification, and successful program completion of teacher candidates.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) from an accredited institution in Elementary Education, Reading/Literacy Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Education, or a closely related education field. ABD candidates may be considered if the doctorate will be completed within two years of date hired.
• Graduate-level preparation and/or demonstrated expertise in reading/literacy and the Science of Reading.
• A minimum of three years of successful P-12 classroom teaching experience, preferably in elementary and/or middle grades settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, oral language, and the role of background/content knowledge in reading development.
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices in elementary and/or middle grades education.
• Evidence of effective teaching, communication, collaboration, and professional practice.
• Ability to use technology and instructional resources effectively in face-to-face, hybrid, and/or online learning environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

• Current or previous teacher certification/licensure in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Reading/Literacy, or a closely related field.
• Experience teaching Science of Reading, reading/literacy, or related education courses at the collegiate level.
• A Reading Endorsement, Dyslexia Endorsement, or other recognized literacy-focused credential.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and evaluating preservice teachers during field experiences, internships, or clinical practice placements.
• Knowledge of Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) requirements, educator certification pathways, and educator preparation program standards.
• Experience with assessment, accreditation, program evaluation, and the use of data to support continuous program improvement.
• Evidence of scholarly achievement or the potential for scholarship, including research, grants, publications, conference presentations, and professional service activities.
• Experience collaborating with P-12 schools, educational agencies, and community partners to support teacher preparation and student success.

Proposed Salary

The salary for this position is $65,000.00 annually.

Required Documents to Attach

• Cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
• Teaching statement
• Unofficial transcript(s) from the highest degree earned (official transcript will be required upon hire)
• Contact information for three professional references

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of elementary education curricula, content standards, and instructional best practices for diverse learners.
• Knowledge of literacy development, reading instruction, and evidence-based practices, including the Science of Reading.
• Knowledge of student assessment methods, data analysis, and strategies for measuring and improving student learning outcomes.
• Knowledge of educator preparation programs, teacher certification requirements, and state and national accreditation standards.
• Skilled in delivering effective instruction and facilitating meaningful learning experiences in higher education settings.
• Skilled in oral, written, and interpersonal communication with students, colleagues, school partners, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in mentoring, advising, and supporting teacher candidates throughout their academic and professional development.
• Skilled in collaboration and partnership-building with P-12 schools, educational agencies, and professional organizations.
• Ability to supervise and support teacher candidates in field experiences, clinical practice, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Ability to contribute to program assessment, accreditation, continuous improvement initiatives, and the achievement of educator preparation program goals.

Apply Before Date

For best consideration, apply by November 30, 2026. Review of applications may begin as early as November 4, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.