Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.
About the College:
The College of Education (COE) at Texas Tech University (TTU) aspires to be a national leader in both the preparation of educators and the dissemination of educational research. A state-of-the-art teacher education program and first-rate graduate and professional programs including engaged scholarship opportunities to guide the College’s pursuit of excellence. Additionally, collaboration with the greater community drives our College vision and mission.
Our Mission: Through investing in a diverse student body, the COE promotes excellence in educator and professional preparation to meet the real-world challenges of our day. We disseminate research focused on improving educational outcomes. We are committed to engagement with partners through mutual collaboration, innovation and improvement.
About the Department/School/Area:
The teacher education department in the College of Education has an innovative teacher preparation program that meets the unique needs of all our students. In collaboration with school districts and community college partners across Texas, TechTeach, our clinically intensive, competency-based program, is preparing educators who are ready to impact students on their first day in the classroom.
Position Description:
The teacher education department in the College of Education at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Assistant Professor of Practice in Science Teacher Education to begin from Jan 11th, 2027. This position serves as a collaborator with the Science Faculty Anchor to support course refinement based on changing state and national policies, assist with instructor coordination, engage in science program-based research, and partnership activities with schools and the underserved West Texas community. The teaching load for this position is 4/4, i.e., four courses per semester.
Major/Essential Functions:
At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.
In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
Primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate science education courses, designing and refining curriculum, contributing to program development, and supporting initiatives that expand access to and interest in science education. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, broadening participation, and producing effective teachers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the design, development, and continuous enhancement of curriculum, informed by data, assessment outcomes, and best practices in teacher education.
Engaged in ongoing program evaluation and scholarly or applied research related to science teacher education to strengthen and advance the department’s science program. Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance the mission of the Department of Teacher Education, ensuring strong sustained connection between theory and practice. Support strategic initiatives to increase enrollment
The Assistant Professor of Practice will work closely with the Department Chair, TED Faculty Anchors, Professional Development Facilitators, Site Coordinators, and Lecturers to strengthen the undergraduate science education program and ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals.
Required Qualifications:
- A conferred doctorate in education by September 1, 2026 from a major accredited university. At least 3 years of Grades 6-12 science teaching experience as a teacher of record in the U.S. public school settings.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Strong disciplinary content knowledge in one or more science fields, as evidenced by substantial undergraduate or graduate coursework, a degree or academic concentration in a science discipline, or Grade 6-12 science teaching credentials. Experience in science teacher preparation, such as designing and/or teaching instructional methods or content courses for science teacher candidates and coordinating field teaching practica. Substantial experience supporting K-12 science education activities such as mentoring novice science teachers through residency, coaching, or professional development programs. Conducting outreach and participating in partnerships with schools, districts, and/or community organizations. Experience in using student data to evaluate instructional effectiveness, educational innovation, and/or research outcomes. Evidence of research experience in science/STEM education, such as conducting empirical research, presenting at national or international research conferences or authoring peer-reviewed publications. Documented experience serving as a department chair, science coordinator, instructional coach, curriculum leader, district science curriculum specialist, or curriculum coordinator in a K-12 setting.
Safety Information:
Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include the following documents in your application:
- Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Other document(s) directly related to required qualifications List of references
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Jianlan Wang, Search Committee Chair at [contact details available in the full listing]
Application Process
Please submit your application materials to Assistant Professor of Practice in Science Teacher Education | Texas Tech University System Review of applications will begin October 30, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
