Assistant Professor, Teacher Education, Gonzaga University

Employer: Gonzaga University

Location: Spokane, Washington State

Salary: $70,928-$75,657, commensurate with education and experience

Date posted: Dec 16, 2025

Gonzaga University’s School of Education in Spokane, WA invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Education. The position involves teaching graduate and undergraduate level courses related to literacy and other courses as needed, advising and mentoring candidates one-on-one, and engaging candidates in meaningful community-based projects. Details about the Teacher Education program are available online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-education/graduate/teacher-education.

At Gonzaga University, we don't just train teachers. Our mission and curriculum prepare candidates that step into classrooms prepared to teach children HOW to learn. Our graduates foster relationships to create a trusting, safe learning environment. A Gonzaga-educated teacher is highly sought and expertly trained to meet their students where they are and give the skills to truly become a life-long learner. The Department of Teacher Education is committed to developing exemplary educators through the integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for teaching and learning in a global society.

While the position has a strong teaching and advising component, the successful candidate will engage in scholarly work and academic citizenship which contribute to the department, school, and university, as part of the regular reappointment, promotion, and tenure process.

Gonzaga University is located on the banks of the Spokane river approximately 1 mile from downtown Spokane. Spokane provides its residents with a variety of activities from accessible downtown shopping and entertainment to the beautiful landscape of the Inland Northwest. Spokane's longtime motto is “Near Nature Near Perfect” as its residents are minutes away from beautiful lakes, high elevation deserts, and rustic mountains. We encourage applications from women, members of minority groups, protected persons, and others committed to expanding the diversity of the profession.

For more information on our mission, please visit: https://www.gonzaga.edu/about/our-mission-jesuit-values/mission-statement

Essential Functions:

• Teach at least 18 credits of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses during the academic year on the following topics:
  • Elementary Differential Instruction and Field Experience
  • Instructional Methods: Reading, Writing, and Communication I and II
  • Reading Diagnosis
  • Child and Adolescent Literature
  • Practicum - Reading
  • Foundations of Reading and Language
• Potentially teach during the summer semester under a separate contract
• Advise candidates, including guidance in completing capstone Thesis/Projects
• Supervise students in field experiences, practicum teaching experiences, and graduate assistantships
• Maintain an active research agenda and contribute to local, regional, national, and international professional journals and conferences
• Collaborate with department, School of Education, and community partners
• Stay current in the field by conducting research, reading academic materials, and/or attending conferences
• Attend and contribute to department and program meetings, and other committees as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in elementary education, literacy education, or closely related field
• K-8 teaching experience (preference given to a minimum of 3 years)
• Expertise in literacy learning and instruction, including knowledge of current trends and a variety of theoretical perspectives and instructional practices
• Demonstrates a nuanced and critically informed understanding of the “science of reading,” grounded in a multifaceted perspective that challenges reductive, compliance-driven approaches
• Knowledge of research and practice on culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction and assessment
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and an investment in social justice, equity, and inclusion as evidenced by prior innovative and successful inclusive teaching strategies
• Potential for success in implementing culturally sustaining pedagogies and practice for diverse students, and for preparing teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach diverse learners from an equity and asset-oriented framework
• Evidence of a research agenda and/or demonstrated potential to carry out scholarship related to an aspect of literacy education and/or elementary teacher preparation
• Demonstrated knowledge of and record of mediating and supporting field experiences in partnerships with K–5 schools
• Demonstrated ability to offer service and expertise in support of local community education initiatives (e.g., leading or establishing literacy programing) with focus on reciprocal relationships with community partners
• Commitment to the Mission of a Catholic, Jesuit institution and the ability to embed those qualities into teaching
• Desire and ability to advance Gonzaga’s commitment to human difference, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in collaboration and community-engaged work, particularly with underrepresented communities
• A record of professional accomplishments (publications, conference presentations, and active participation in professional organizations) and service
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise and record of practice-based teacher preparation and/or other research-based models for clinical preparation
• Teaching record at the university level in the area of elementary literacy
• Knowledge of current approaches to multilingual learner education
• Skill in integrating technology, including the role of generative AI into teaching and learning

Educational Requirement: Terminal Degree

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter should address the following:
  • Relevance of your academic training to the position.
  • Fit with Gonzaga’s Jesuit, Catholic, and humanistic tradition.
  • Personal philosophy of, and commitment to, teaching and advising.
  • Personal commitment to leadership and service within the profession.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging in social justice and equal access work within an educational context.
  • Additional qualifications you would bring to the position.
• Curriculum vitae
• A copy of all university transcripts
• Finalists will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references to provide confidential letters of recommendation.

To apply, please visit our website at www.gonzaga.edu/jobs. Applicants must complete an online application. Questions about the position may be directed to Anny Case, Search Committee Chair, Teacher Education, at casea@gonzaga.edu. Contact Human Resources at (509) 313-5966 with any technical or application issues. For best consideration, please submit materials by January 13, 2026.