Institute of American Civics - Lecturer/Teaching Assistant Professor, Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Fall 2026)

The Institute of American Civics (IAC), located within the Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a full-time non-tenure track faculty at the rank of Lecturer or Teaching Assistant Professor (depending on qualifications) to begin August 1, 2026. This faculty member will teach undergraduate courses in American civics, American political institutions, and the constitutional foundations of the Republic. The teaching load will be 4-4 on a 9-month appointment. The faculty member may be asked to teach a combination of in-person and online courses.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

The Institute of American Civics (IAC) was created to enhance education in politics, economics, philosophy, American history, and American government as well as increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship; fundamental democratic principles; and the ways in which those principles are expressed in and through our federal, state, and local institutions.

Lecturer

Candidates must have a terminal degree in Political Science, History, Law, or another relevant field by August 1, 2026.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to contribute to the mission of the IAC by teaching courses in American institutions, the constitutional foundations of American government, American political thought, and civic engagement. Ability and willingness to participate in public engagement activities is a plus.

Teaching Assistant Professor

Candidates must have a terminal degree in Political Science, History, Law, or another relevant field by August 1, 2026.

Candidates must provide evidence of teaching effectiveness and demonstrate a commitment to service to the University and the broader community.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to contribute to the mission of the IAC by teaching courses in American institutions, the constitutional foundations of American government, American political thought, and civic engagement. Ability and willingness to participate in public engagement activities is a plus.

Applicants should submit the following via Interfolio:

• A cover letter explaining their relevant teaching experience and commitment to the Institute’s mission;
• A current CV;
• Graduate transcripts;
• Teaching evaluations; and
• A list of three references.

Review of applications will begin March 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions or inquiries, contact Search Committee chair Andrew Busch at abusch1@utk.edu.