Assistant Professor, Tenure Track - Literacy

The Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum (LTC)

The Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum (LTC) at the University of Missouri seeks applicants for an assistant (tenure-track) position in early childhood literacy education (9-month appointment). The successful candidate will have a doctorate in early childhood literacy education or early childhood education with a literacy focus, a demonstrated potential for excellence in scholarship, a commitment to conduct research, pursue external funding that aligns with the University's status as an AAU member, and skills pertinent to research, teaching, service, and collaboration.

A faculty member filling this position will maintain an active program of research, teaching, and service that is consistent with current College of Education and Human Development tenure-track faculty. Of particular interest are scholars whose research is based in early childhood (Birth- 3rd grade) and literacy education and examines critical issues in early childhood literacy education including early childhood literacy methods, standards, policies, family, and community contexts in relation to literacy education.

• Maintain an active program of research and scholarship with the potential for external funding
• Teach courses related to early childhood literacy education consistent with the program and departmental instructional needs (e.g., early childhood literacy methods, assessment, or a combination thereof)
• Incorporate the current limitations and possibilities SoR landscape in research and collaboration
• Contribute primarily to ECE and Literacy Masters and Undergraduate program through teaching, research, and service
• Provide leadership and service to the program, department, college, and university

• An earned doctorate in early childhood education with a literacy focus, early childhood literacy education, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience teaching in early childhood and/or early literacy classroom or teacher education settings

Applicants will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

• Understanding of the current SoR landscape, including imitations and possibilities for early language and literacy teaching and learning
• Knowledge of ECE and literacy policy, national/state standards
• Understanding of community and family systems supports early childhood development
• Record of (or demonstrated potential for) scholarly productivity
• Success as a collaborator on a scholarly or instructional team
• Ability to teach and support undergraduate and graduate students of early childhood education and literacy
• Ability to work and engage collegially with individuals from early childhood, elementary, and literacy-focused settings as well as with department, university, and community members
• Knowledge of preservice teacher education for early childhood literacy educators
• Experience teaching at college level
• Experience teaching in an online program
• Experience in programmatic leadership
• Grant experience and research collaboration

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Apply on-line at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic. Upload a complete application including:

1. Letter of application describing qualifications for the position and research agenda (including both publications and recording of external funding);
2. Curriculum Vita (CV) that details scholarship, prior teaching experiences, related work history, grants, advising, service, and awards/honors. In addition, at the end of the CV, include a list of names and contact information for three professional references.

Search Committee Chairs: Dr. Amber Smith (ansmith@missouri.edu) and Dr. Angie Zapata (zapatam@missouri.edu)

Review of applications will begin October 22, 2026, and continue until filled.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The College of Education and Human Development and LTC

The University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) prepares and supports professionals in education, information, lifespan, and intervention sciences that improve the quality of life and economic development for the people of Missouri, the nation and the world.

The College's mission is fulfilled by taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach across a wide range of disciplines and professions, including educator preparation, leadership, counseling, early childhood education, special education, higher education, public policy, family and lifespan development, information sciences and technology.

The CEHD serves more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students across a broad portfolio of bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral programs. Nationally recognized for the strength and breadth of its academic programs, the College ranks among the nation's top 30 graduate schools of education and among the top 20 public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report. Several of its programs also hold strong national rankings, including special education, online education, educational administration, and library and information studies. The College has a substantial research and outreach footprint, with nearly $47 million in annual research expenditures supporting work that advances education, human development, and information sciences, as well as outreach activities extending throughout Missouri and beyond.

The Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum includes more than 30 faculty members from a range of emphasis areas, including early childhood education, science education, social studies education, literacy/English language arts, art education, and more. The mathematics education emphasis area has a proud tradition of both research and teaching excellence. It offers undergraduate degrees in elementary, middle school, and secondary education and multiple graduate certificates (Elementary Mathematics Specialist) and degrees (M.Ed., Ed.Sp., Ed.D., Ph.D.). Its doctoral program has been ranked in the Top 5 nationally and features active research efforts particularly focused on working with teachers, students, and leaders in public K-12 school districts.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.