Assistant Professor, Department of Childhood Studies

Assistant Professor, Department of Childhood Studies

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure Information: Tenure Track

Department Summary:

The Department of Childhood Studies at Bridgewater State University
is an inclusive, interdisciplinary community of scholars who
examine the social and cultural constructions of childhood and seek
evidence-based solutions to the challenges and inequities facing
children and youth today. As the first interdisciplinary department
and fastest-growing department at Bridgewater State University, our
goals are to educate and inspire undergraduate students to think
critically and to advocate for children, youth, and families
locally and globally.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and often combine
Childhood Studies (CHST) with majors in fields such as Education,
Criminal Justice, English, and Sociology. We emphasize engaged,
inclusive teaching that helps students connect these
interdisciplinary perspectives to children's lived experiences and
apply their learning to advocacy and work with children, youth, and
families.

We are a collaborative, and collegial department that continually
reflects on assessment data to evaluate the program's impact and
identify opportunities for improvement.

The department's teaching and scholarship are built around six
essential concepts:

• Global challenges affecting children and childhood
• Children as active participants in research
• Childhood as a social construct
• Childism and the ways children are marginalized
• Children as beings, not “becomings”
• “Child a method” (Burman, 2018)
• Power and social justice. We support BSU's broader commitment

to diversity and equity throughout all CHST coursework by
identifying and addressing issues of power and privilege.

Bridgewater State University has a diverse student population, 30%
students of color, 45% first-generation students, and 14% openly
LGBTQ+ students. The Childhood Studies program consists
predominately of female students (96%) with 22% students of color,
50% first-generation students, and 14% openly GLBTQ+.

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community
dedicated to the lifelong success of all students; focused on the
continuous improvement of its people; and is responsible for
leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the
commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment
of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking and the
pursuit of new knowledge and deeper understanding. The teaching and
learning environment at Bridgewater also cultivates meaningful and
diverse interpersonal relationships and fosters an appreciation for
global engagement aimed at transforming lives and improving the
human condition. Our commitment is reflected in our
institutional values, which ensure
that all students are supported and succeed.

Essential Duties:

The Department of Childhood Studies (CHST) invites applications for
a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor.
Our program serves both traditional day students and continuing
studies students. The successful candidate will demonstrate a
commitment to, and knowledge of teaching and learning, and
supporting student well being both in-person and on-line. The
position includes advising at least 30 students per semester.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Teach four Childhood Studies courses per semester, including

Introduction to Childhood Studies, Service Learning in Childhood
Studies, and Research Methods.

• Use innovative, learner-centered techniques and resources that

support the diverse Childhood Studies student body.

• Contribute to the ongoing development, design, and enhancement

of the Childhood Studies major curriculum, supporting an
interdisciplinary, integrative, and inclusive approach to student
learning and positive overall student experiences.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Childhood Studies, or a related interdisciplinary field

such as anthropology, cultural studies, history, geography, or a
closely related interdisciplinary field

• Ability to develop and teach courses that engage critical

approaches to childhood/children and youth, both face-to-face and
virtually

• Evidence of an active interdisciplinary research agenda

(publications, conference presentations, works in progress, or
equivalent scholarly/creative activity)

• Demonstrated experience in working toward diversity, equity,

inclusion, and belonging in teaching, research, and/or service

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, advising,

undergraduate research mentoring, and university and community
service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in critical research in anthropology, history,

geography, or a related field

• Experience designing and delivering online curriculum
• Experience providing academic and career advising to

students

• Experience with community-engaged service and/or

scholarship

Special Conditions for Eligibility:

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is
contingent upon completion of a successful background check.
Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

Posting Number: F00665P

Open Date:

Close Date: 11/30/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please note the following information is required to complete your
application for this position:

• a minimum of three professional reference entries in space

provided on the application form

• CV
• Cover Letter -Please describe how you would add to the

interdisciplinary nature of our department.

• Teaching Statement- Please describe your teaching experience

and interest in using engaged and inclusive pedagogical approaches
and working with diverse student populations.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9920384"">https://jobs.bridgew.edu/postings/33990

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity
employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability
status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation,
genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or
any other characteristic protected by law.

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