Assistant Professor, Elementary Education

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States

About the Role

The School of Education at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) invites applicants for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions, beginning August 2026. The research area of specialization is open. Faculty are expected to produce impactful research and train initial licensure candidates in elementary education to become technologically competent, culturally responsive educators who positively impact P-12 student learning.

The School of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary Education programs include bachelor's and master's degrees delivered in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats. Qualified applicants will contribute to the School of Education's research and teaching missions at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong independent research program.
• Collaborate with colleagues on program development and enhancement of pre-service and in-service teacher education programs.
• Seek external funding.
• Teach and mentor students across programs.
• Contribute to the mission of the university and profession through service activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, or a closely related field with a focus in elementary education (by August 2026).
• Two or more years of full-time licensed teaching experience with standards-based curriculum in an elementary general education classroom.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, concise, and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner.
• Experience setting clear performance expectations and providing meaningful feedback.
• Experience and/or familiarity with technology use, particularly in the online learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence or potential for excellence in scholarship and research.
• Experience with teaching reading, mathematics, or inclusive practices in elementary settings.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 research institution serving over 13,000 students in Hattiesburg, Long Beach, across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and online. USM is recognized for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and language development for children with communication disorders. The university is a national leader in disciplines such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

Southern Miss offers programs preparing graduates for emerging technologies, including computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. The university also addresses critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. Accredited in four major areas of the arts, USM is one of only 36 public institutions nationwide with this distinction. Home to the Golden Eagles, the university supports 17 NCAA Division I sports teams.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.