"Assistant Professor of Educational Studies - Literacy Studies"

Description

The Department of Educational Studies at Swarthmore College invites applications for a tenure track position in Literacy Studies at the Assistant Professor level, beginning in fall 2026.

Teaching responsibilities of this position will include two courses per term and thesis supervision as assigned by the department chair. Typical courses and supervisory responsibilities include 1) the department’s introductory course (which provides a foundation for student work in upper level courses), 2) supervision of student teachers, 3) an upper level honors seminar in Literacies, 4) an intermediate level course associated with the applicant’s research focus, and 5) the two-credit Curriculum and Methods Seminar that accompanies student teaching.

The successful applicant will be a scholar and teacher who maintains an active research program that includes opportunities for student collaboration. Along with developed knowledge of PK-16 reading and writing instruction, candidates specializing in structured literacy, adolescent literacy, digital literacies, or content-area and disciplinary literacy are especially encouraged to apply. This position also requires institutional and departmental service (including, but not limited to, attendance at weekly department meetings, department events, committee service, and department chairing, post-tenure). Faculty in the Department of Educational Studies also serve as faculty advisors for major, minors, and pre-major students, in addition to supervising senior theses.

The Department of Educational Studies at Swarthmore is a collaborative and interdisciplinary department whose faculty members employ qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies to examine educational research, policy, theory, pedagogy, and related practices. Students are supported to develop richly informed perspectives on the role of education in society and go on to become leaders in a wide range of fields. We believe children and youth deserve educational environments where they can experience joy as learners and thrive. As a community of students, faculty, and staff, we aim to be reflective, innovative and collaborative in how we contribute to a more just and equitable world.

The department offers both course and honors majors in educational studies, as well as partnered majors in educational studies and many other College departments. Students may also pursue elementary or secondary teacher certification through our program. Research and fieldwork are distinctive components of all of our majors. Faculty in the department conduct engaged scholarship: research and practice that is grounded in partnerships with schools, practitioners, and communities, in settings that range from classrooms to community programs with students contributing as research assistants and collaborators.

Swarthmore College offers competitive start-up packages to support faculty research and teaching, funds for travel to professional meetings, summer support of undergraduate research collaborators, and a generous sabbatical policy. Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to diversity. The Swarthmore undergraduate student body has 44% U.S. minority enrollment and 11% international enrollment. Swarthmore has a strong commitment to inclusive excellence through diversity in its educational program and employment practices. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see http://www.swarthmore.edu/faculty-diversity-excellence/information-candidates-new-faculty.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Literacy Studies or a related discipline with post-doctoral research or similar experience following doctoral training.
• K-12 teaching or school-based experience, preferably at the middle school or secondary level, required.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities.
• A program of innovative and impactful research with strong potential for future growth.

Application Instructions

The application process for this position will consist of four steps:

1. An expression of interest that includes a cover letter of no more than two pages describing the candidate's qualifications for the position and a curriculum vitae as part of the initial application process.
2. A select number of candidates will subsequently be invited to submit a complete dossier that includes: a teaching statement, a research statement, and three professional letters of recommendation. The teaching statement should describe the applicant’s interests in teaching at an undergraduate institution, previous teaching experience, and approach to teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. The research statement should describe the applicant’s program of research (including research interests, recent and current research, and anticipated areas for future work) and its potential to engage undergraduate students. At least one letter of recommendation should comment specifically on the candidate’s teaching. Applications will not be considered until letters of recommendation have been submitted.
3. Candidates may then be invited to participate in a Zoom interview.
4. Candidates may be invited to campus to give a talk and interview with members of the faculty and students.

Apply at: https://apply.interfolio.com/170184. Please address any questions you may have to Educational Studies Department chair, K. Ann Renninger at krennin1@swarthmore.edu.

All expressions of interest received by October 6, 2025, will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to working effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body.