"ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION"

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
TENURE TRACK POSITION AVAILABLE AUGUST 15, 2026

THE DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Early Childhood Education at the rank of Assistant Professor. This appointment is a nine-month position beginning August 15, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES include engaging in scholarly research and publication related to the candidate’s expertise in early childhood education; seeking external funding for research and/or training grants; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses associated with early childhood education; supervising students completing practicum and internships; advising students; supporting and mentoring master’s and doctoral students; engaging in professional and community service through cooperative work in schools and university partnerships; and working collaboratively with departmental faculty to promote, develop, and grow the educational leadership program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS include: an earned doctorate in early childhood education or related field (ABDs will be considered as long as degree is earned by start date); at least 18 hours of graduate level study in early childhood education; at least three years of experience in schools as an early childhood educator, and the ability to meet state teacher educator code requirements; evidence of or potential for scholarly productivity in peer-reviewed academic journals; emerging evidence of a cohesive research agenda; evidence of or plan for seeking external funding for research or training grants; experience providing undergraduate- or graduate-level instruction in early childhood education; ability to provide instruction in face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online formats; evidence of or potential for advising undergraduate and graduate students; plan to build collaborative partnerships with local PK-12 schools; and evidence of collaboration with faculty peers across disciplines.

THE DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION currently has 15 full-time tenure track faculty, four non-tenure track instructional faculty members, and two staff members providing instruction and training for undergraduate and graduate students who are seeking certification to prepare them for professional responsibilities in PK-16 schools. The Department offers certification and non-certification programs in Educational Leadership at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. Undergraduate programs include specialization in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education. The Department also offers graduate programs in Elementary, Early Childhood, Reading, Secondary, Special Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES is one of nine colleges and schools of the University of South Alabama. Founded on February 1, 1967, the college serves approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students. The College offers undergraduate and graduate education certification programs, as well as programs that are outside of the public-school arena. These areas include health, kinesiology, sport and recreation, mental health, instructional design, hospitality and tourism, and interdisciplinary studies.

The College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, with programs accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education, the American Psychological Association, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Across all program areas, the College of Education and Professional Studies is committed to preparing exemplary professionals committed to life-long learning who are leaders in contributing to the betterment of our dynamic world.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA is a diverse and vibrant public university that is making a difference in the lives of the people of Alabama and the nation through teaching, research, service, and health care. The University offers a wide range of high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs to 14,000 students. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama is the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, representing the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS should email (1) a letter of interest to include a description of research, teaching, and service experiences; (2) a current curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research; (4) the names, affiliation, and contact information for three references; and (5) copies of unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts to Ms. Carjetta Taylor, Assistant to the Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies at applyceps@southalabama.edu. Please include “Early Childhood Education Search” in the subject line.

For full consideration, applicants must submit materials by October 15, 2025. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Kelly Byrd, Search Committee Chair at (251) 380-2673 or email at kbyrd@southalabama.edu.

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status basis.