ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Teacher Education & Curriculum Studies / UMKC School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Studies

School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences

Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies

The School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences (SESWPS) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) announces its search for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) position in the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies. The position is full-time, 9 month academic year, and benefit-eligible.

The individual selected for the position will join a dedicated and collaborative group of faculty and staff. The primary responsibilities are to teach undergraduate and graduate courses; advise master's, specialist, and doctoral students; conduct an active program of research including the pursuit of external funding; and participate actively in service at the department, school, university and professional levels. The initial certification programs are practice-based with close ties to the field. Therefore, the candidate will also collaborate closely with early childhood education centers, PK-12 schools, and other community-serving organizations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. We seek a candidate who promotes an environment of opportunity and excellence that welcomes differing backgrounds and lived experiences, and engages with principles of cultural responsiveness, responsiveness to emerging and foundational community needs, and globalism in their teaching, research, and service.

As a public urban-serving research institution, UMKC is in the heart of Kansas City. SESWPS serves as a major institutional partner to school districts and community agencies across the metropolitan area. SESWPS programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level. Educator licensure programs are accredited at the state level by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Major Responsibilities:

• Teach early childhood courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Mentor and take an active role in undergraduate student programming.
• Advise and mentor graduate students.
• Conduct an active program of research and scholarship, including the pursuit of external funding.
• Collaborate with faculty on programmatic issues, including participating in educator preparation program assessment activities.
• Provide service to the department, school, and university.
• Actively participate in local, state, and national professional organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in early childhood education, elementary education, or a closely related field by date of hire.
• Demonstrated potential or record of scholarship appropriate to the rank of Assistant Professor.
• Successful experience as an early childhood or elementary teacher, preferably in public, urban settings.
• Demonstrated potential or experience teaching in a college/university setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to opportunity and excellence that welcomes differing backgrounds and lived experiences, including responsiveness to emerging and foundational community needs and urban issues.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, and community partners from and with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated potential or experience teaching in both face-to-face and online formats.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in conducting research in urban settings.
• Demonstrated potential for leadership in service.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with credentials, experience and internal equity.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with credentials, experience and internal equity.

Combine all application materials into one PDF file or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachment to the position announcement located at http://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/ (click on "view jobs" to locate announcement).

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.)

If you need technical assistance, please call our Technology Support Center at 816-235-2000.

Formal review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by October 3, 2025 to ensure optimal consideration. Application materials should include the following: (a) a cover letter expressing interest in the position, including reflection on the candidate's commitment to opportunity and excellence that welcomes differing backgrounds and lived experiences; (b) curriculum vitae, and (c) full contact information of three professional references. All materials should be combined into one PDF document and uploaded to the link below. References will not be contacted until advanced stages of screening, and candidates will receive prior notification.

An official copy of all transcripts, showing when degrees were conferred, will be required before an official offer is made to the final candidate. The University requires the maintenance of an official copy of higher education transcripts for all hires. Finalists will be asked to submit all transcripts to the School of Education, Social Work Psychological Sciences' Dean's Office. Appointment is contingent upon verification of degrees. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check prior to beginning employment.

For further information about this position, please contact the Search Committee Chair by way of Katherine Hawk, Senior Executive Assistant, at katherine.hawk@umkc.edu.

Why UMKC? A City on the Rise - Big City Life, Midwestern Charm: Kansas City offers the best of both worlds -a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The University is located in a Kansas City metropolitan area that is among the most entrepreneurial cities in America with a population of more than 2.4 million and a wide-ranging portfolio of industries and businesses. Home to a wide-ranging base of corporate centers, high-tech firms and prominent non-profits, Kansas City is an inspiring example of 21st century economic transformation.

The city's rich history and modern-day, innovative thinking are reflected in an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. With thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual and upscale shopping, and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home.

Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking in flavor. UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled within the heart of Kansas City. Volker Campus is just minutes from the famous Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping and restaurants for lunch or after-work socializing. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.