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.

At present, the university can only sponsor employment-based visas, including H1-B petitions, that are not subject to the current $100,000 fee or any other similar or related fees imposed through U.S. immigration regulations, laws, executive orders, etc. The university will continue to monitor the ongoing changes in U.S. immigration regulations and it reserves the right to modify this policy as the regulatory and legal landscapes change.

Salary is commensurate with experience and in accordance with Appendix O of the MSCA contract (http://mscaunion.org/cbas). A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new faculty member appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor is $75,000 to $85,000.

EEO Statement

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.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: F00665P
Open Date: 10/26/2026
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.