Teaching Assistant Professor of STEM Education

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas is hiring a nine-month, full-time, non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor of Elementary STEM Education, beginning August 16, 2027. The position supports undergraduate and graduate elementary education programs, including the STEM education concentration in the Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education and the K–6 STEM graduate certificate. This is an in-person position requiring on-campus presence and extensive in-person engagement with students, colleagues, and university committees.

The successful candidate will prepare future elementary teachers to design and implement integrated STEM instruction connecting science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other core disciplines. The role includes teaching four courses per semester at undergraduate and graduate levels, with emphasis on integrated STEM methods, elementary mathematics education, engineering and technology education, and hands-on, project-based learning. The candidate will facilitate interactive, integrated, design-based coursework in which students develop technical competencies using various tools.

Additional duties include mentoring and advising students, contributing to course and curriculum development aligned with state and national STEM standards, and supporting the continued growth of the elementary education program. The position also involves teaching, research, and service in support of the university’s priorities for student success, research excellence, and an employer-of-choice environment. Department faculty engage in integrated STEM education through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, including Scott Family Amazeum and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and participate in field-based experiences, outreach, STEM nights, teacher professional development, and statewide STEM initiatives.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate from a nationally recognized and accredited institution in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, Integrated STEM Education, Elementary Math Education, Engineering Education, or a closely related field, conferred by the start of employment.
• Evidence of and/or promise of highly effective university-level teaching in elementary integrated STEM education, elementary mathematics education, and/or technology and engineering education.
• Evidence of productive service and/or potential to actively contribute service to the program, department, institution, and profession in a relevant elementary STEM, mathematics, technology, or engineering education area.
• Potential to earn peer recognition through professional practice, service to professional organizations, outreach, and/or curriculum development in relevant elementary education areas.
• On-campus presence and extensive in-person engagement are essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and facilitating hands-on, project-based learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate STEM instruction into elementary content and design developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Experience with elementary engineering and technology integration projects, including tools such as 3D modeling, fabrication technologies, or makerspace environments.
• Experience working with or building community-based partnerships with schools and community STEM organizations such as museums.
• Experience supporting pre-service teachers through clinical practice, field experiences, or mentoring.
• Evidence of engagement in the scholarship of teaching and learning, practitioner-focused publications, or STEM education outreach.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses per semester at undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on integrated STEM methods, elementary mathematics education, engineering and technology education, and hands-on, project-based learning.
• Facilitate interactive, integrated, design-based coursework that develops students’ technical competencies using various tools.
• Mentor and advise students.
• Contribute to course and curriculum development aligned with state and national STEM standards.
• Support the continued growth of the elementary education program.
• Contribute to teaching, research, and service supporting student success and the university’s priorities.
• Participate in in-person activities such as office hours, student advising, collaborative work, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings.
• Contribute to community-based outreach and STEM programming, such as STEM nights, teacher professional development, and statewide STEM initiatives.

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% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

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