Assistant Professor of Practice: Master Teacher at the UT Lab School

College/School/Unit: College of Natural Sciences

Department: School of Human Ecology - Department of Human Development and Family Sciences

Posted: Mar 4, 2026

Apply By: Open until filled

Description

Seeking Master Teachers (2) for afternoon preschool classrooms at the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory (UT Lab School) at the University of Texas at Austin. Positions are 0.75 FTE and benefits-eligible, and there may be an opportunity for them to be full-time for applicants with a PhD and a record of successful teaching in higher education.

The Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory (UT Lab School) is sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) in the School of Human Ecology. The Lab School is an educational, research, and service facility for university students, faculty, and the community at large. It provides a setting in which university students may observe, participate, and study children under the supervision of trained Master Teachers. It also serves as a facility for research in HDFS and related fields. It's a model program of high quality, early education for children ages 18 months through 6 years that fosters development across domains. It's licensed through Texas DSHS and NAEYC accredited. The program helps parents, families, students, researchers, and the public gain a greater understanding of how children develop and learn.

Responsibilities:

As a faculty member, Master Teachers are responsible for modeling best practices in child development, early childhood education, and positive guidance for observers and instructing, supervising, and assessing graduate and undergraduate students placed in the classroom. Master Teachers are responsible for curating developmentally appropriate learning environments, creating and implementing a play-based, emergent curriculum, conducting on-going, authentic assessments (portfolio-based) of development, and communicating regularly with families about their children.

Qualifications

A minimum of a master's degree in Child Development, ECE, or a closely related field. Early childhood/elementary teacher certification is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and child development. At least three years of experience teaching young children. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills. Thorough understanding of Texas DSHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards. Ability to supervise and evaluate lab experiences of graduate and undergraduate students. Evidence of competence in teaching and supervising adult learners.

Application Instructions

Please upload a cover letter, a curriculum vitae or resume, and three confidential letters of recommendation (from supervisors) that address the candidate's effectiveness as an early childhood educator and adult mentor/coach.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.