Assistant/Associate Professor-School of Education

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

2d • $55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

This position serves as a faculty member in the School of Education and will teach a wide range of undergraduate courses for candidates seeking degrees with licensure in Elementary Education (K–6), Middle Level Education (4–8), Secondary Education (7–12), and/or K–12 Education. Responsibilities include supporting candidates’ progress through coursework; advising students in elementary and middle level programs; and integrating research‑based instructional practices and relevant technology throughout teaching. The faculty member will collaborate with key stakeholders, including local school districts, educational cooperatives, and the Arkansas Department of Education, to support program quality, alignment with licensure expectations, and continuous improvement efforts. Additionally, the individual will participate in university, college, and departmental service; maintain an active scholarly agenda; and engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in the field. The individual would be required to travel to and from area schools and perform other duties as required or assigned. This position reports to the Executive Director of the School of Education.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in core area related to the assignment; ABD status may be considered depending on projected date of graduation.
• Possess a valid teaching license.
• Have at least three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience in K-8 public schools in the United States.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of content, instructional best practices, curriculum design, and assessment, along with experience integrating technology into K-12 learning environments.
• The position requires a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, advising, competency-based learning, and close partnerships with local school districts.
• Effective communication skills, collaborative ability, and commitment to ongoing professional development are essential for contributing to a high-quality educator preparation program.
• Mastery of degree and discipline requirements as set forth by an accredited institution
• Expertise in subject areas related to professional practice and assigned courses
• Current credentials maintained within the discipline
• Strong knowledge of instructional technology and proficiency with LMS and technology tools
• Comprehensive understanding of public school practices and current reform initiatives
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and lead diverse partners to consensus
• Ability to provide professional development to students and educational stakeholders
• Ability to teach a variety of courses in multiple formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, synchronous online, and/or asynchronous online

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education in an education department is preferred.
• Prior involvement in teacher preparation, mentoring, and supervising teacher candidates.
• Scholarly activity is highly valuable, and the candidate should have a strong research agenda with preference for significant publications.
• Preferred experience in the Science of Reading and High-Quality Instructional Materials.

Responsibilities

• Classroom instruction
• Supervise teacher candidates in field experiences
• Serve as a student advisor
• Scholarly activity
• Service to department, college, and University, including committees and assessments
• Recruitment and retention of students
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including school districts, education cooperatives, and the Arkansas Department of Education
• Attendance and participation in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement and pinning ceremonies, and other meetings and events as required
• Curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Assessment and evaluation of instruction
• Professional development
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree