"Associate/Full Professor Of Language and Literacy Education"

Position Summary:

The College of Education and Technology at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) invites applications for the prestigious Gay Su Pinnell Endowed Professorship in Language and Literacy Education. This 12-month tenure-track faculty position is intended for a distinguished scholar with a strong research agenda, leadership experience, and program and curriculum development expertise to begin in January 2026.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic literacy scholar and educator actively engaged in academia, policy discussions, school communities, student mentorship, and public advocacy. The candidate should have extensive experience working with linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and multiliteracies and must demonstrate a commitment to fostering inclusive literacy education. The professor will specialize in elementary literacy instruction, literacy development, and related fields, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and preparing future educators, researchers, and literacy specialists.

The Gay Su Pinnell Professorship was established through the generosity of Dr. Gay Su Pinnell, a distinguished educator and literacy expert, to support literacy research in New Mexico communities. The annual endowment funds research initiatives and provides salary support for the endowed professor.

The successful candidate will demonstrate vision, innovation, and a strong record of engagement with elementary schools and community stakeholders. The appointment will be a tenure-track position at the rank of associate or full professor. This is a residential appointment that requires significant on campus presence in Portales, NM, and offers a full-time, 12-month faculty salary.

The appointed professor will teach three classes per academic year and conduct research that advances literacy education in Eastern New Mexico, the broader state, and throughout the U.S.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and publish high-impact research in literacy education
• Develop and sustain an externally funded research program focused on literacy education in diverse settings
• Foster partnerships with local and regional schools and community organizations to support literacy initiatives
• Collaborate with local, national, and international organizations to advance literacy advocacy efforts
• Oversee the university's literacy clinic, including a summer literacy program and year-round literacy support services
• Develop innovative curricula focused on literacy instruction, policy, and advocacy
• Teach literacy courses in the undergraduate and graduate Teacher Education Program
• Mentor and collaborate with students and faculty in literacy research and instructional methodologies
• Serve as a leading voice in literacy advocacy at local, state, and national levels
• Engage in policy discussions and initiatives supporting literacy education
• Contribute to institutional governance to enhance literacy programs and clinical initiatives
• Represent the university in literacy-related professional organizations and advisory boards
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Literacy Education or a closely related field
• Established record of scholarly publications as a senior or lead author in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience at the Pre-K-6th either in school settings or related educational environments

Preferred:

• National or international recognition in literacy research and advocacy
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Proven success in securing external research funding
• Strong track record of mentorship and faculty development

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives
• Commitment to mentoring students and faculty, with a strong record of supporting academic and professional development

Physical Demand and Working Conditions:

Standard workweek with occasional evenings or weekends required. Work is primarily sedentary in nature that at times requires exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally (e.g., classroom materials, demonstration tools) and/or a consistent amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must maintain a physical presence on campus in Portales, NM as required by a residential appointment.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates must apply at https://www.enmu.edu/about/employment-and-hr/employment-opportunities and submit the following materials:

• Letter of application addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests
• Unofficial graduate transcripts
• Three recent publications or links to publications
• Contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation will be based on experience, education, and scholarship. Eastern New Mexico University offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employees' health, well-being, career growth, and retirement.