Assistant Professor of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family
Studies

Compensation:

$70,000 - $75,000

Department:

Early Chldhd Youth & Fam Studies

Start Date:

08/16/2027

About this opportunity:

The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies
welcomes application for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in
Early Childhood Education to begin August 16, 2027. We offer
programs in Early Childhood Education, Early Care, Early
Intervention, Child Life, and Family Studies, and have a laboratory
school for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, in partnership with
the YMCA.

The successful candidate will be interested in teaching
undergraduate and graduate courses in our Early Childhood
Education, Transition to Teaching, Graduate Certificates, programs;
have a research agenda that will complement current interests in
the department and that can involve both undergraduate and graduate
students; contribute to the service activities of the department
and discipline; and have an on-campus presence. While applicants
from any area of early childhood education or related fields are
welcome to apply, strong consideration will be given to applicants
who have a specialization in integrated early childhood pedagogy,
policy/advocacy/social justice, and community engagement.

Ball State University lives the values of Beneficence. These
attributes include commitments to collaborative discourse,
interdisciplinary inquiry, and enterprising learning practices. Our
faculty are collegial, collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and
adaptive, both within and beyond one’s home unit. They are
strategic thinkers, engaging our dynamic communities. We are
committed to student and faculty success, impact, and access within
an environment that fosters excellence, achievement, and
opportunity. We inspire one another to be critical thinkers and
responsible citizens, so that we can pursue fulfilling careers and
meaningful lives. We invite you to be part of our community.

Employer will consider sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in one or more of the

following areas: early childhood curriculum, prosocial development,
culture and language in teaching and learning, family
relationships, wellness, health and safety, leadership and
administration, kindergarten education, teaching in the
kindergarten/primary grades, Transition to Teaching, and other
content areas related to children and teacher preparation. The
standard assigned teaching load is 3 courses in the fall and
spring, with opportunities to teach in the summer. Courses may be
face-to-face, online, and/or blended. Candidates should have
background, knowledge, and skills primarily in the area of early
childhood education and the ability to work cooperatively with
faculty and staff to foster curriculum implementation, assessment,
and improvement.

• Develop and/or maintain an active research agenda, which

includes publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at
professional conferences, seeking funding to support scholarship,
and creating opportunities for our students to be involved in the
research process.

• Actively contribute to the missions and strategic initiatives

of the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies,
Teachers College, and Ball State University through involvement
with professional associations and activities at the local,
regional, and national levels.

Minimum Qualifications

-

• Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related

field by date of appointment

• Eligible for, holds, or has held a teaching license
• At least 3 years / 6 academic semesters (approx. 24 months) of

experience teaching in an early learning environment

Preferred Qualifications

-

• Content specialization in one or more of the following areas:

integrated early childhood pedagogy, policy/advocacy/social
justice, and/or community engagement

• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at

professional conferences in applicant's area of specialization

• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with various

learners, families, colleagues, and communities.

• At least one academic semester (approx. 4 months) of experience

teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in multiple modalities
(e.g., face-to-face, online, blended)

• At least one academic semester (approx. 4 months) of experience

coordinating clinical experiences, developing site partnerships,
and supervising and mentoring students, within the parameters of
regulatory and policy frameworks shaping early learning
environments

• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor all students,

leveraging various backgrounds, experiences, identities, and
perspectives as asset-based tools for collective learning

How to apply:

For inquiries about this opportunity, please contact:

Dr. Seongmi Lim, slim@bsu.edu

Important: Please follow upload instructions for attaching
all required documents listed below. Only complete applications
will be considered.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Within the application, please provide names and contact

information for three (3) professional references.

• Note: Additional application materials may be requested

later in the search process

This position will remain open until filled, with a
consideration date of December 7, 2026, 12:01 a.m. Candidates
submitting application materials on or before this date will
receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue
until the position is filled.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing
professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why
we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid
parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant
moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust
long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of
retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your
family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and
personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of
your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or
children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer
is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do
our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a
calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and
download our calculator spreadsheet.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of
life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the
advantages of a university community with the accessibility and
affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and
culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare,
athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s
MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access
relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working
options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them
get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility
requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should
review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility,
available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community
partnerships aligns with Destination 2040:
Our Flight Path , the University’s strategic plan. The plan
calls our University to work with community partners to promote
talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East
Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of
the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through
MakeMyMove .