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

Position Details

Posting Summary

Posting Detail Information

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 Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Position Information

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

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Letter of Recommendation
3. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Other

Contact Us

Human Resources
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone (269) 387-3620
Fax (269) 387-3441

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.