Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) - Teacher Education: Early Childhood Education (25-26)

Description

The Department of Teacher Education, Kinesiology, and Education Studies (DTEKES) of DePaul University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position in the field of early childhood education (ECE), commencing September 2025. We seek a colleague who is committed to undergraduate and graduate education focused on fostering professional growth in a diverse student population, many of whom are first-generation and members of the incumbent ECE workforce. Teaching responsibilities will include some combination of courses in human development and child behavior (birth-age 8y), history of the field, curricula and instruction, assessment, plus bilingual and special education. The successful candidate will be poised to establish an active, independent research agenda within their area of expertise. This candidate will contribute to Program, Department, College, and University committees as well as engage in service within and outside of the University, assuming leadership roles whenever possible.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who will enhance the diversity of our faculty. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our community of scholars and educators dedicated to preparing the educators of tomorrow.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Include:

• Upon hire, earned doctorate in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field
• Minimum three years' experience as an early childhood educator in a teaching or leadership role within infant/toddler, preschool, and/or primary grade settings
• Evidence of effective experience in teaching undergraduate and/or master's degree early childhood education students in face-to-face, online, and/or blended formats 
• Record of research, academic scholarship, or other scholarly activities
• Evidence of a research agenda focused upon the early care and education field
• Strong knowledge of and experience with research methods and assessment in education
• Experience in advancing diversity, equity, and justice in education
• Obvious commitment to asset-based teaching in teacher preparation and early childhood classrooms, with emphasis on mental health factors affecting postsecondary students'/children's learning
• Availability for teaching days and evenings as well as to actively participate in committees and Program, Department, and College meetings, on campus and online.

 Preferred Qualifications Include:

• Experience in conducting community-based equity work in urban settings
• Experience in designing ECE teacher licensing curricula 
• Experience in writing grant proposals and/or mounting grant-funded projects
• Experience with accreditation and program assessment policies, processes 
• Knowledge of the Illinois State Board of Education Early Childhood teacher licensing standards and the Illinois Gateways early childhood credential competencies

Application Instructions

You must submit all required application materials to be considered for the position. Please send all inquiries regarding your application to either Stephanie McCullough at sparrill@depaul.edu or Dr. Marie Donovan at mdonovan@depaul.edu. The job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EEO Statement

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, martial status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcomed and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check.  Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check. 

Mandated Reporting of Chi