Assistant Professor - Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies - Tenure Track

General Summary:

Western Michigan University’s Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies, within the College of Education and Human Development, invites applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Early Childhood or Early Elementary Education. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an emerging scholar to contribute to a dynamic academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service in early childhood/elementary education. The successful candidate will strongly commit to advancing the field through engaging teaching, innovative research, and meaningful service to the university and broader educational communities. We seek a candidate who is passionate about preparing future educators and leaders in early childhood or elementary education, focusing on fostering welcoming environments, developmentally appropriate practices for all learners.

Major Duties:

• Teach undergraduate courses in Elementary Education, including internship seminars, teaching labs, practicum courses, and other courses aligned with program need.
• Serve as the faculty point of contact for clinical instructors connected to Early Childhood internship seminar sections.
• Coordinate with the Office of Clinical Experiences to support student placements, communication with clinical instructors, and internship expectations.
• Provide field supervision, mentoring, and instructional support for teacher candidates.
• Collaborate with Elementary Education faculty, program coordinators, and department leadership to maintain program quality and instructional alignment.
• Support assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement processes connected to Elementary Education.
• Contribute to a department culture grounded in equity, humanization, collaboration, and high-quality teacher preparation.
• Engage in service to the department, college, university, and partner school districts as appropriate to the role.

Minimum Qualification:

• PhD in early childhood education or related field (ABD considered if degree is conferred by start date) from an accredited institution.
• Experience teaching (3 years minimum) in early childhood settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, and inclusion.
• Emphasis on a developmentally relevant approach to teaching Early Childhood Education.
• Evidence of a focused research plan.
• Focus on collaborative multi-disciplinary work.

Desired Qualification:

• Experience teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, particularly in Early Childhood Education.
• Specialization or focus on the developmental and educational needs of children from age 3 – grade 3.
• Knowledge of the unique needs of multilingual learners and strategies to support their success.
• Involvement in professional, educational, and/or community-based organizations related to early childhood education.
• Interest in curriculum development, program evaluation, and/or the creation of new courses to meet emerging educational needs.
• Understanding the grant writing process and interest in seeking funding for educational initiatives or research

Additional Position Information:

Go to: wmich.edu/hr/employees/faculty for benefits and other information.