Early Childhood Education - Assistant or Associate Professor

The Department of Education at the University of Minnesota Duluth seeks to hire a full-time early childhood educator of excellence, committed to anti-racist pedagogy and social justice. The salary for this position is $68,000. This position will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

This faculty assignment consists of teaching undergraduate and graduate pre-service or practicing teachers in Early Childhood Education; supervising student teachers; advising students enrolled in education programs; serving on department, university, and state-wide committees; and other activities as assigned.

Scholarship, including research and publication, is required for tenure and promotion.

Required/Essential Qualifications:
Applicants for the position of Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education

1. A Doctoral degree in Education or related field from a regionally accredited university, complete by the start of contract
2. Commitment to anti-racist work across diverse populations and fostering social justice
3. A Record of strong research contributions in Early Childhood

Preferred Qualifications:

1. At least three years of successful teaching in grades PK-3rd grade, evidence of providing and advocating for inclusive education across the learning spectrum
2. Experience with inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogies including strategies for supporting language development of minoritized languages and English language learners
3. Experience working with Indigenous peoples and other ethnically and linguistically diverse populations
4. Experience teaching early literacy and reading/writing skills with children ages 0-8 yrs
5. Experience teaching graduate courses
6. Experience with and commitment to PK-3 family and community partnerships
7. Experience supervising students in early childcare services and PK-3 school settings
8. Evidence of working collaboratively with colleagues and community partners locally and broadly

The Department of Education is one of five departments in the College of Education and Human Service Professions and is the home of the Ruth Meyers Center for Indigenous Education. The Department offers 16 undergraduate teaching licensure programs. Licensure offerings include Early Childhood Education (to be launched in 2025); Integrated Elementary and Special Education; Secondary licensure options (Communication Arts and Literature, Earth and Space Science, Health, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social Studies); K-12 Educations (Art, Music, Physical Education, World Languages). Minors include: TESOL/TEFL; Early Childhood; Deaf Studies. Graduate offerings include a Master of Education degree and Community College Teaching Certificate. The Department of Education home page can be found at http://cehsp.d.umn.edu/departments-centers/educ.

The College of Education and Human Service Professions promotes research and practice in the social and human sciences. Our collective teaching, scholarship, and service support student development as engaged citizens, reflective learners, critical thinkers, and evidence-informed practitioners in a culturally sensitive, socially-just learning environment. The college is committed to and is a campus leader in the areas of diversity/anti-racist work, community outreach and sustainability. The college has been nationally and regionally recognized for programs that partner with and serve Indigenous communities.

The University of Minnesota Duluth was recently ranked one of the top 50 regional universities in the Midwest (U.S. News & World Reports). The campus offers a robust set of American Indian programs and is in close proximity to many Indigenous nations. The city of Duluth, located approximately two and a half hours north of Minneapolis, is nationally ranked as one of the best places to live and work. Perched at the western end of Gichigami (Lake Superior), the largest freshwater lake in the world and surrounded by natural forests, Duluth offers some of the best outdoor recreational activities and boasts of thriving industries in technology, healthcare, aviation, and education.

Pay Range: $68,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job and search for job opening 370760. Click on the job title to apply. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach your letter of application and CV. The additional document (references) must be attached by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading the document in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Complete applications will include:

1. Letter of Application addressing required and preferred qualifications. Please include details about your research agenda and commitment to anti-racist work.
2. Your current curriculum vitae

Professional references will be requested from finalists later in the search process via SkillSurvey References, the University's online, automated reference-checking tool.

Please note that the letter of application (cover letter) and curriculum vitae are uploaded during the application process. Once this is complete you can return to the application and upload professional reference information.

Completed online applications will be considered beginning November 24, 2025. The initial screening will be an anonymized review of the letter of application. Position will remain open until filled.

Please send any inquiries to: Tara Serck serck005@d.umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.