Assistant Professor of Childhood Education

Summary of Job Duties

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas is seeking candidates for a nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Childhood Education faculty position with a specialization in elementary literacy. The Assistant Professor of Childhood Education is a full-time, nine-month position to begin August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of faculty in a department growing in stature and recognized for excellence in teaching, research, faculty development, and student success.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate coursework in literacy methods across foci such as emergent and developmental literacy, reading comprehension and/or writing
• Conduct research that results in peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations
• Pursue external funding through grant proposal submissions
• Participate in student advisement and mentoring, including service on dissertation committees
• Collaborate with P-6 schools/educators to coordinate clinical experiences for preservice teachers or provide programmatic support
• Provide service to the university, college, department, program, profession and community
• Support the University's 150 Forward priorities of student success, research excellence, and an employer-of-choice environment through teaching, research, and service

This is an in-person position. On-campus presence is an essential function of this position. Extensive in-person engagement in activities such as office hours, student advising, collaborative work, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is required. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctorate from a nationally recognized and accredited institution of higher education focused on primary/elementary literacy education in programs such as Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field conferred by the start of employment
• Evidence and/or promise of exemplary performance in research in elementary literacy education
• Evidence and/or promise of effective teaching and advising at the higher education level
• Evidence of relevant, productive service or potential to actively contribute to the program, department, university, and profession related to literacy education

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of successful teaching in literacy methods courses with a distinct focus on foundational literacy skills, from emergent literacy practices through advanced reading comprehension and writing instruction
• Evidence of teaching and/or preparation of in-service teachers for primary/elementary settings
• Evidence of primary/elementary classroom experience (3 years) in the United States
• Familiarity with clinical models of teacher preparation (such as immersive field placements and Professional Development Schools)

Additional Information

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant's background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

Required Documents to Apply

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Recruitment Contact Information

Dr. Heather Young, Associate Professor, hkindall@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site. Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Completed applications received by October 1, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

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