Assistant Professor of Education and Child Development, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College • Grand Rapids, MI

10d • $67,130 - $74,581

About The Position

GRCC is seeking faculty who possess an interest in serving and retaining students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to closing equity gaps; engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large. Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines, and be committed to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion of traditional populations, non-traditional populations, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values. Requisition ID: 1077 Department: Education and Child Development Employee Group: Faculty Association Schedule: 32 weeks (Fall & Winter Semesters) Start Date: Fall 2026 Compensation: Master's Degree $67,130 - 74,581. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience. Benefits: Full-time Reports to: Associate Dean, School of Liberal Arts Posting Opens: 02/24/2026 Posting Closes: 03/27/2026

Requirements

• Masters degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR Masters degree or higher in Elementary Education with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education OR Masters degree or higher in Family and Child Studies with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education OR Masters degree or higher in Special Education with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education
• Appropriate technology required to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability and willingness to develop/teach in-person, online, and hybrid classes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• A commitment to retain, advise, and serve student populations from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations.
• A commitment to serve the community.
• Demonstrates initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Nice To Haves

• Five (5) years of full-time direct classroom teaching experience with children birth through 5th grade preferred.
• Two (2) years of successful post-secondary teaching experience in Early Childhood or Education preferred.
• Community college teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic skills.
• Experience working with a variety of learning modalities preferred.
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment preferred.
• Experience developing equity-minded learning environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach GRCC course offerings in Education such as CDA, Early Childhood General and Special Education, Elementary Education
• Participate fully as a member of the Education Department in such activities as curriculum development, evaluation and revision, committee membership, textbook selection, and department meetings.
• Work collaboratively with staff from local school districts and GRCC Early Childhood Learning Lab
• Advise students on curriculum and academic programs as appropriate.
• Contribute to student retention strategies to increase recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion.
• Willingness and availability to work a flexible schedule.
• Participate in the development and revision of key assessments to inform data collection for NAEYC Accreditation
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Education.
• Incorporate new technologies and methods that enhance teaching and learning into his/her instructional methods.
• Assist department in establishing and maintaining relationships with transfer colleges and universities.
• Foster an equity-minded learning environment which advances inclusion, reduces equity gaps and promotes diversity and belonging of all students.
• Adhere to the standards and requirements expressed in the Faculty Contract.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time