Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education Full-Time, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor

Position Overview:
The Early Childhood Education program within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is seeking a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin in August 2026. This position will work with both undergraduate and graduate majors in Early Childhood Education and will support the graduate Curriculum and Instruction program as well as the undergraduate Elementary Education addition to teaching the faculty member will contribute to the ongoing development of the Early Childhood program engage in scholarly research and provide service to the department college university and community. The position includes a balanced workload of teaching research advisement and service and is ideal for a candidate committed to facilitating meaningful student-centered educational experiences aligned with the mission and values of the college.
College/Department Overview:
The College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) is a diverse unit which offers 20 undergraduate and 30 graduate majors. CEPS is home to Oklahomas first teacher preparation program and includes seven academic departments: Adult Education and Safety Sciences; Curriculum and Instruction; Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services; Educational Sciences Foundations and Research; Human Environmental Sciences; Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies; and Psychology. For further information see our website at Specific Essential Job Functions:
The responsibilities of this position include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Early Childhood Education. Candidate could also be responsible for coursework in the Elementary Education undergraduate program and/or the Curriculum and Instruction graduate addition responsibilities include supervision of pre-service teachers maintaining data for the program assessment plan completing state required annual public-school experience maintaining a current knowledge base in the field of Early Childhood Education engaging in scholarly/creative activities and serving on committees at all levels of the University. Successful applicants will also demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within and across departments.
Qualifications/Experience Required:
Applicants are required to have:
1. Teaching experience in public Early Childhood and/or Elementary classrooms
2. A record of successful classroom teaching with young children (PreK-3rd grade)
3. Knowledge of current Early Childhood Education theory research and effective and appropriate pedagogy for young children
4. Excellent communication collaboration problem-solving and organizational skill
5. An earned Doctorate in Early Childhood Education or closely related field awarded by a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution (exceptions require Academic Affairs approval)
Qualifications/Experience Preferred:
Preference will be given to applicants with:
1. A record of successful teaching experience with culturally diverse learners and/or urban populations
2. Teaching certification in Early Childhood
3. Evidence of excellent teaching as an Early Childhood teacher educator at the college or university level
4. Experience teaching Early Childhood teacher education courses at the university level
5. Evidence of experience in the effective use of technology for instruction and knowledge of the issues regarding technology use with young children
6. Evidence of scholarly productivity
7. Candidates who are ABD in their doctoral programs will be considered for the instructor rank with the expectation of degree completion on or before the end of the first year of employment
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Primary responsibilities are teaching scholarship and service to the University and addition an ability to demonstrate a high level of competence and deep understanding in Early Childhood is required. Applicants must commit to complying with program departmental and institutional policies and procedures including but not limited to submission of grades keeping office hours and making decisions regarding instructional matters program assessment and program outcomes. Applicants are expected to participate on appropriate committees at the departmental college and university levels; maintain documentation of professional activities; commit to understanding transformative learning; and work collaboratively with colleagues.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA requirements may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions