"Assistant Professor of Teaching Elementary Education"

Job Details

The University of Memphis’ College of Education, Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, is seeking an innovative and collaborative colleague for a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teaching Elementary Education position. The role is based at the University's Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee.

The Elementary Education program is committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment. The successful candidate's teaching, service, and scholarship should reflect a strong commitment to and experience with:

• Elementary education methods and pedagogy.
• Teacher education preparation.
• Using classroom assessments and student achievement data to inform instruction.
• Student-centered practices.

The start date for this position is August 17, 2026. Please note that the department is not currently offering sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction: Teach undergraduate and/or graduate Elementary Education methods courses in various modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Clinical Supervision: Supervise clinical residency and related field experiences for teacher candidates, specifically those preparing for elementary school settings.
• Community Engagement: Develop and manage a vibrant community for current, prospective, and former students through workshops, symposiums, and other professional development opportunities.
• Outreach & Partnerships: Collaborate with local PK-12 school systems to prepare future teachers and expand outreach efforts within the community.
• Professional Service: Attend department and program area meetings, engage in professional service, including committee assignments and community engagement, and model technology integration in classroom experiences.
• Recruiting: Manage marketing and recruitment efforts for all ICL programs on the Lambuth campus (Teaching All Learners – elementary and special education licensure).

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate degree in Elementary Education or a closely related field, obtained by August 17, 2026.
• Evidence of excellence in Elementary Education teaching for a minimum of 3 years in PK-6 schools.

Desired Qualifications

• Expertise in literacy.
• Demonstrated success with program coordination, including student recruitment and program marketing.
• Experience with outreach and partnership-building in business, industry, and/or PK-12 settings.
• Proven success in promoting and managing sustained online learning communities.
• Evidence of, or potential for, successful teacher candidate supervision and related clinical experiences, knowledge of various teacher evaluation systems. Experience and evidence of excellence in teaching at the college level.
• A record of scholarly publications and/or presentations.
• Eligibility for Full Member Graduate Faculty status.

About Our Programs & Community

Teaching All Learners is an innovative dual licensure program designed to prepare highly effective teachers for both Elementary and Special Education classrooms. We focus on equipping future educators with the expertise to help every student reach their full potential. Students gain practical, real-world experience by participating in immersive teaching and co-teaching opportunities in local classrooms, all while being mentored by experienced educators.

The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership offers pathways to a range of careers, from teachers and behavior technicians to instructional designers and non-profit organizers. We equip our students with the skills for a wide array of high-demand roles. Our strong ties with university lab schools also provide excellent opportunities for collaborative research and real-world practice.

The University of Memphis is a leading "research-extensive" institution located in a vibrant metropolitan hub of over 1.3 million people. The city itself offers an exceptional quality of life with a low cost of living, a dynamic cultural scene, and incredible opportunities to engage with global powerhouses like FedEx, AutoZone, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, along with numerous local school districts. These connections provide a unique environment for both professional and personal growth.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following documents through the university's WorkforUM portal (workforum.memphis.edu). No other method of application will be considered.

• Letter of Application: A letter (no more than two pages) that specifically addresses how you meet the required and desired qualifications. Highlight your teaching and leadership experience and delineate your professional service agenda. You may include URLs to publications or projects.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Teaching and Mentoring Statement (one page)
• Service Statement (one page)
• Three Professional References: Provide contact information (email and phone number) for three references who can speak to your qualifications for this position.

For questions, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Logan Caldwell, at lprvette@memphis.edu