Assistant Professor of Elementary Education

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Morris seeks a tenure-track assistant or associate professor in Elementary Education, specializing in at least one of: social studies methods, multicultural education and culturally relevant pedagogy, general methods, inclusive schooling, pre primary education. Any applicant must also be capable of being a generalist as they may be called upon to teach in other areas during times of need.

Teacher preparation at UMN Morris is built on a conceptual framework of centering learners and assessing ourselves, making change and working toward equity and justice, integrating theory and practice, and indigenizing teaching and teacher preparation. The ideal candidate will engage with these principles and collaborate with other teacher educators to infuse them into our programs in impactful ways.

This is a 9-month, full-time appointment located on the Morris campus with a start date of August 16, 2027.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching a variety of undergraduate teacher preparation courses, including methods courses, in the K-6 Elementary Education teacher preparation program
• Providing clinical supervision in the field
• Producing research/scholarship and maintaining a research agenda appropriate to an undergraduate, public liberal arts college [UMN Morris provides support for scholarship through means such as offering one semester of teaching release, access to institutional and system-level grant programs, and others]
• Advising undergraduates
• Engaging with a variety of programmatic initiatives such as student learning initiatives, recruitment, retention, outreach to school partners, etc.
• Participating in assessment and accreditation activities of the program and unit
• Teaching courses in Education, Secondary Education, and/or campus general education (dependent upon qualifications and experience)
• Fulfilling service/outreach obligations to the program, campus, and/or profession

The employer reserves the right to modify, change or add to the duties of this position, consistent with the classification description, at any time.

Qualifications

Essential knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ph.D. or research-based Ed.D. in an appropriate field (ABD candidates will be considered);
• At least 3 years of teaching experience in the elementary grades in the area(s) of specialty;
• Current or past licensure in elementary education;
• Commitment to continuing professional development in the assigned areas of teaching and in focal areas of the program’s conceptual framework;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Five or more years of P-12 teaching experience;
• Evidence of successful teaching and field supervision in teacher education programs;
• Experiences working with student populations who are racially, culturally, or linguistically diverse;
• Experience teaching multilingual students (English Language Learners);
• Experience, interest, or aptitude in teacher education leadership.

Physical and/or environmental requirements:

• Ability to climb stairs.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,000 - $72,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Complete the application and attach the following:

• cover letter describing your interest in teaching at a 4-year undergraduate public liberal arts college, and your ability to fulfill the requirements of the position described above,
• detailed CV,
• three (3) letters of reference,
• a statement of teaching philosophy, and
• a 1-2 page description of your research interests and how they might complement a public undergraduate liberal arts college.

Application review will begin on January 4, 2027 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions concerning the status of your application, contact Emma Kloos, ekloos@morris.umn.edu, subject line Elementary Ed Search, or call 320-589-6400. For other questions related to this search, contact Jennifer Goodnough, Elementary Education Search Chair: jenng@morris.umn.edu. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail ohr@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.