Assistant Professor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Beginning: Fall 2025

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Penn State University's College of Education, University Park, invites applications for a dynamic, critically oriented early childhood education scholar (birth to age eight). We seek individuals who bring fresh perspectives to studying early childhood and are committed to working with diverse groups and across educational settings for transformative, justice-based work. The ideal candidate will actively contribute to our Early Childhood community and demonstrate enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University Park campus, including engagement with our campus childcare centers. We value and respect diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

About Penn State:

Penn State, University Park, located in State College, PA is a doctoral granting research intensive institution. Our vibrant community at Penn State is dedicated to delivering high-quality education and fostering a culture of discovery and innovation. As Pennsylvania's sole land-grant university, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing unparalleled access to education and public service to support our communities. At Penn State, we are deeply committed to transforming educational systems to foster more significant equity and justice for Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is at the forefront of these efforts. We are working to build a vibrant, inclusive community, rethink and revitalize our curricula, and conduct impactful research aligned with the College's Strategic Plan. We welcome candidates who share our passion for these goals and are eager to help shape an educational landscape that serves all students equitably.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and has affirmed a policy of nondiscrimination in all its employment practices. The University is committed to ensuring that all persons shall have equal access to employment without regard to characteristics not related to ability, performance or qualifications as determined by university policy, contract, or state or federal authorities. The University prohibits discrimination against any person because of their actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed service (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or political ideas.

Appointment Conditions:

This is a tenure-track, 36-week appointment for an assistant professor with the possibility of supplemental summer appointments in research/ and/or teaching. Full University benefits apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction's Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) program.
• Teach graduate-level courses reflecting your areas of expertise and interest.
• Engage in scholarly research, participate in academic conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other related outlets.
• Pursue externally funded grants and funding for research and programming.
• Advise and support graduate students, including serving on graduate committees as appropriate.
• Participate in service to the department, college, university, and community and engage with professional field organizations.
• Contribute actively to fostering a collaborative and constructive departmental community.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A doctoral degree in early childhood education or a closely related field from an accredited institution by the time of appointment.
• At least three years of successful teaching experience in preschool or early elementary classrooms or informal learning environments, particularly in diverse communities, focusing on asset-based instructional strategies.
• A demonstrated research agenda or scholarly work in early childhood education.
• A solid commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-bias, and justice-oriented education, with a demonstrated track record in this area.

Preferred:

• Experience in community-based equity work and active involvement in local communities, early childhood classrooms, and informal learning spaces.
• Previous experience teaching early childhood education courses in undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs, especially with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Research or teaching that draws on critical and transformative paradigms such as Critical Race Theory, Raciolinguistics, Critical Disability Studies, Queer Theory, Black Feminism, Decolonizing Theory, and others.
• Evidence of alignment with the College of Education's mission and vision in both teaching and research.

Application procedures:

Applicants must submit the following to ensure full consideration:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications, commitments, and a statement of research and teaching interests.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Two writing samples, including scholarly publications or well-developed papers.
• Names and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references.

Applications received by December 1, 2024 (5:00 PM EST) are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Allison Sterling Henward (Search Chair) at ash55@psu.edu.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: