Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education - College of Education and Community Innovation

Grand Valley State University•Grand Rapids, MI

7d•$64,000 - $66,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Early Childhood Education program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is seeking a tenure-track faculty member for the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education & Community Innovation. This position is at the assistant professor level and will primarily serve undergraduate students in early childhood education courses that also fulfill general education requirements. The role involves teaching undergraduate courses in early childhood and early childhood special education, both in-person and online, supervising student teachers in various settings, engaging in service activities, and conducting research for dissemination to diverse audiences. Expertise is particularly sought in the philosophies, theories, and historical foundations of early childhood education, the impact of current contexts on child development, seminal texts and contemporary insights in the field, and movements promoting equity, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive learning environments. Opportunities may also arise to teach graduate courses and courses on topics such as observation and documentation, learning through play, child guidance, and family collaboration.

Requirements

An earned PhD or EdD degree or ABD (with expected graduation by August 2027) by an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development, Instruction and Curriculum, or Teacher Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood, Family Studies, or Human or Child Development
At least three years experience working with a range of young children and/or young children with disabilities and their families in an education setting (ages infant/toddler, preschool, and/or early elementary)
The ability to consistently teach face to face courses on GVSU City and Valley campuses
An interest in teaching coursework that addresses the philosophies, theories, and historical foundations of early childhood education
The capacity to travel to provide clinical supervision in diverse settings
The ability to engage with a variety of technologies to deliver instruction face to face and in online synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid modalities
Demonstrated excellence in delivering high quality and engaging instruction to adult learners
A passion for teaching culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies and preparing educators to work with diverse populations
A commitment to educating the whole child and promoting inclusive teaching practices
Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills
A research agenda, with the ability to disseminate findings to a scholarly audience
An interest in working as part of a team in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities that support programs in early childhood education
An interest in contributing professional expertise to the community and profession

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching adult learners at the university or college level, particularly as it relates to the Foundations and Philosophies of Early Childhood, Observation and Documentation, Child Guidance, Collaborating with Families, and Play-Based Curriculum courses
Knowledge and familiarity with the seminal texts of the field, including those that relate to the history of education and more contemporary insights around the application of these principles
More than five years experience working with diverse populations as a licensed educator within an early childhood setting, particularly in early elementary settings
The ZA, ZS, or ZN teaching endorsement, as awarded by the Michigan Department of Education
Experience or familiarity with teaching courses that meet General Education requirements and serve primarily first and second year students from a variety of academic disciplines
Professional membership or involvement with NAEYC or CEC
Experience teaching with the Blackboard Ultra Learning Management System
A promising track record of disseminating research in peer-reviewed journals, books, and through scholarly presentations
Experience with program evaluation and/or with accreditation standards

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in early childhood, both in person and using online synchronous and asynchronous modalities
Supervise candidates in diverse settings and using online tools
Maintain clear and professional communication with students and colleagues
Use evidence-based teaching practices that emphasize active learning, inquiry, anti-bias education, and critical reflection, to support students as they learn to work effectively with young children and their families and future colleagues
Engage in service activities at the program, unit, college, university, and community level
Conduct and disseminate meaningful scholarship