Assistant Professor in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Mental Health and Curriculum Education

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

1d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The School of Education at Colorado State University invites applications for a non-tenure-track, 9-month, full-time Assistant Professor position in elementary education with a specialization in mental health. The appointment is effective August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will teach mental health and other courses in the Elementary Education licensure program, supervise and advise teacher candidates, and work with local partner schools to connect coursework with classroom practice. The position calls for a commitment to diverse learners and humanizing education, flexibility to serve in a variety of roles, and dedication to the School of Education’s mission. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate elementary teacher education courses, emphasizing children’s mental health and well-being, as well as other relevant courses such as Creating Inclusive Classroom Environments and Assessment and Data. Course assignments will reflect the candidate’s expertise. The position may also involve graduate-level teaching, developing new courses, and supervising undergraduate practicum students and student teachers in field placements. The role includes establishing and maintaining partnerships with elementary schools, school districts, and community organizations; participating in faculty workgroups, committees, and local and state-level activities; collaborating with faculty in related disciplines; advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and supporting educator preparation and the School of Education through relevant scholarship. The position does not supervise employees. The position may require travel to local community partner locations. A valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain one, or access to a licensed driver is required by the employment start date. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in counselor education, school counseling, elementary education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field; the doctorate must be conferred by the start date.
At least three years of work at the elementary or middle school level.
Experience supporting children's mental health and socioemotional needs in school settings.
Experience teaching, mentoring, and/or supervising university-level pre-service teachers and/or school counselors.

Nice To Haves

Experience integrating educator wellness, resilience, and professional sustainability into teacher preparation.
Experience in school mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed educational practices.
Knowledge of child development and ability to prepare educators to recognize and respond appropriately to student mental health concerns within professional and ethical boundaries.
Experience teaching, supervising, training, counseling, coaching, consultation, or interpersonal communication skills.
Teaching experience at the elementary or middle school level, with expertise in curriculum and instruction or classroom environments.
Experience collaborating with families and multidisciplinary school-based support teams to support student learning and well-being.
Demonstrated use of culturally sustaining, humanizing, and inclusive pedagogical practices, including experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Demonstrated ability to build school-university partnerships and supervise teacher candidates.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate elementary teacher education courses, with an emphasis on children’s mental health and well-being and other relevant subjects, based on areas of expertise.
Teach graduate-level courses in the School of Education as needed.
Supervise undergraduate practicum students and student teachers in field placements.
Develop new courses in areas of expertise as needed.
Establish and maintain partnerships with elementary schools, school districts, and community organizations to support elementary education teacher preparation.
Participate in Elementary Education faculty workgroups and committees supporting the unit, school, college, and university, including local and state-level activities.
Collaborate with faculty in elementary education, human development, special education, counseling, and related disciplines.
Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Support Educator Preparation and the School of Education through relevant scholarship.