"Curriculum, Instruction, & Educational Leadership PK-12 Assistant Professor Tenure-Track Fall 2026"

Position Summary

The College of Education at Slippery Rock University is seeking candidates for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position as a PK–12 Generalist in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership (CIEL) beginning Fall 2026. CIEL is strongly committed to preparing future educators and leaders through innovative, inclusive, and experiential learning. Faculty partner closely with regional PK–12 schools to prepare candidates to meet the needs of diverse learners. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, student-centered environment and demonstrate a sustained commitment to continuous improvement in teaching, research, and service.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate PK–12 methods courses in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education (e.g., literacy, assessment, social studies).
• Supervise and mentor preservice teachers during field placements and student teaching across PK–12 settings.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with local and regional schools; facilitate community engagement; and create new pathways for innovative, experiential learning.
• Maintain an active scholarly agenda, including research, publications, presentations, and pursuit of external funding.
• Provide consistent academic advising to majors and participate in recruitment and retention efforts.
• Contribute to program development and accreditation efforts (PDE / CAEP).
• Participate in service activities at the department, college, university, and community levels.
• Support the College of Education’s mission to prepare high-quality, ethical, and reflective professionals committed to meeting the needs of diverse learners.
• Teach using inclusive instructional strategies with a commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice in teacher education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field. If ABD, must have earned degree before August 24, 2025.
• At least three years of successful PK–12 teaching experience across multiple grade levels (e.g., early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary).
• Familiarity with state and national standards (e.g., PA Core Standards).
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Evidence of scholarly potential and contributions to the field.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional Pennsylvania certifications (e.g., Reading Specialist, Principal) are strongly preferred.
• Experience mentoring or supervising preservice or in-service teachers.
• Experience teaching in online or hybrid formats; demonstrated comfort with digital learning tools and technology-enhanced instructional strategies.
• Leadership experience at the building or district level, such as serving as a department chair, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, principal, or in other administrative or leadership roles within PK–12 education.
• Evidence of community engagement and ability to build collaborative PK–12 or community-based partnerships.
• Foundational knowledge of inclusive pedagogical frameworks such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Evidence of ongoing scholarly productivity, including research, publications, presentations, and grant activity that reflects awareness of current PK–12 best practices.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Graduate and undergraduate transcripts are required for this position. Transcripts must be uploaded using the online system. Official transcripts are required before appointment.

Recommended candidates will be required to complete a criminal background check, including Act 34 Background Check and Act 151 (Child Abuse) Background Check, and Federal Criminal (FBI) clearance prior to appointment. Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 30, 2026.

Posting Specific Questions

1. Do you possess a valid and current driver's license? (Yes/No)
2. Do you have teaching experience in secondary schools? (Yes/No)
3. Are you a PASSHE faculty member with rights under Article 29 of the agreement between APSCUF and PASSHE? (Yes/No)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Unofficial Transcripts 2
5. Teaching Philosophy
6. Research Philosophy
7. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness (e.g. peer reviews, student evaluations, honors and awards, etc.)

Optional Documents:

1. Unofficial Transcripts 3
2. Sample Syllabus and Class Assignments