Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education

The successful candidate will teach various components of early childhood/primary education within undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs, work with student teachers, and support the development of early childhood education, and assist in developing the early childhood/primary education masters and doctorate level program and course work. In addition, the candidate will engage in other instructional duties within the College’s education programs, including supervision of student teacher interns and working with local schools including the UNF preschool. The specific instructional responsibilities will be determined in accordance with the needs of the Department and the College and the instructor’s areas of expertise. Involvement in relevant professional service at the local, regional or national level will be expected.

UNF strategically supports an aim to operate as a preeminent, vibrantly inclusive employer in higher education. The successful candidate should demonstrate a capacity to work among diverse constituencies in the immediate university community and beyond.

The University of North Florida promotes the quality and effectiveness of education and strives to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence in all phases of instruction, research/scholarship/creative activity, and service.

Job Function:

• Teach courses in the major and associated programs.
• Advise students; supervise practicum students including student teachers;
• Engage and produce professional and scholarly work;
• Participate in school, college and university service;
• Advise student professional organizations;
• Participate in continuing accreditation activities;
• Work with local early childhood programs; and
• Demonstrate active involvement in professional organizations such as NAEYC, ACEI, NAECTE, and OMEP.

The candidate will be expected to develop or continue an ongoing research agenda in their area of specialization.

The candidate will be expected to have an emerging, promising, or established research agenda and a commitment to service to their discipline, the department, the university, schools, and the community.

Required Qualifications:

This position requires a doctoral/terminal degree in Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field, from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum of three years teaching experience. Candidates should have a scholarly specialization in early childhood education, research and theory on topics such as:
• project-based learning
• early childhood administration,
• early childhood growth and development,
• early childhood curriculum and program development,
• culturally responsive pedagogy

Three years successful teaching experience in pre-school through third grade.

Demonstrated commitment to working in a multicultural environment that fosters diversity and to the appropriate use of educational technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A research or pedagogical focus in STEM and Early Childhood Education
• Some college teaching experience preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills appropriate to both internal and external constituents. Written style appropriate for informational and problem resolution applications. Oral style suitable for all levels from students and instructors to school corporation personnel and effective for one-on-one meetings and for group presentations.
• Ability to professionally represent the University of North Florida and TLC in all communications.
• Working knowledge of local school and educational agencies.
• Demonstrated relationship-building, poise and persuasive skills to ensure continued cooperation of educators meeting UNF needs by participating in field experience programs.
• Good judgment for distinguishing minor from major problems in placement, creating effective resolution for issues and consulting appropriately with department chair on all major issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and proficiency with instructional technologies including: Promethean/Smart Board technologies, online course platforms (Canvas/Moodle), student vote/tally systems, and other emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of microcomputers, word processing, spreadsheet, electronic mail, data management systems required and Canvas software (or comparable) preferred. Able to select, implement and utilize a data management system.
• Ability to work independently with high degree of initiative required.