Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Education

Overview

The School of Art and Design at Northern Illinois University (NIU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Education beginning in Fall 2027.

The NIU Art and Design Education program prepares future and practicing art educators through a curriculum that emphasizes criticality, social issues, visual culture, and leadership in the arts. The program serves both pre-service and in-service teachers across Northern Illinois and maintains a strong network of alumni working in diverse K-12 educational settings throughout the region.

The School of Art and Design at NIU provides a broad background in a variety of fine arts and design areas encompassing artistic study in both traditional and digital media applied to visual problem-solving. We emphasize effective visual communication of a message, narrative, or point of view, so students master the ability to create meaningful images geared toward their individual career objectives.

NIU, located 65 miles west of Chicago, is a comprehensive teaching and research-based institution with close to 15,500 currently enrolled students. The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford. In addition to the main campus, NIU has two education centers located in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 50,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacture of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Position Summary

This tenure-track faculty position is responsible for teaching, scholarly and creative engagement in visual arts education, and meaningful service contributions within the academic community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level art education courses and supervise doctoral students.
• Actively contribute to scholarly, creative, or professional practice in visual arts education, including publications and professional presentations.
• Contribute to service commitments through participation and representation on School, College, and/or University committees.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Art Education from an accredited institution by the start of the appointment (ABD candidates may be considered)
• Minimum of three years of successful clinical, supervisory, or teaching experience in PK–12 visual arts education, including experience in public, private, charter, and/or community-based educational settings
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the university level, including undergraduate coursework in art education
• Ability to teach graduate-level and doctoral coursework and supervise doctoral students

Additional Requirements

• One or more years of experience as an instructor of record for graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses in art education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in one or more of the following content areas: Assessment, Technology, Curriculum, and/or Elementary and/or Secondary Visual Arts Methods
• Experience supervising graduate students, including participation in comprehensive exams and thesis or dissertation committees as well as a demonstrated commitment to mentoring graduate students, including advising, research mentorship, and professional development support
• Evidence of a publication and academic presentation record reflective of an active research agenda with a clear record and plan for future scholarship and a focused leadership trajectory in the art education field
• Evidence of academic service and leadership, such as curriculum development, program assessment, committee participation, or professional organization involvement.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and/or community partners
• Experience teaching in online or hybrid formats, particularly at the graduate level
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and culturally responsive pedagogy, and the ability to support diverse learners and educators across PK–12 and higher education contexts

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.