POSITION SUMMARY:
Erikson Institute, a premier graduate school in child development, early childhood education, and social work, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to join our early childhood teacher licensure program to begin in August 2027.
The Master of Science in Early Childhood Education program leads to initial teacher licensure in early childhood education, special education, and bilingual/multilingual education. This program (re)focuses the preparation of teachers in ways that center their knowledge, practices, skills, and commitments and builds upon the strength, ingenuity, and brilliance of Black, Latine, and other children of Color and their families. We seek a collaborative colleague with a commitment to equity- and justice-oriented pedagogy in early childhood education, solid foundation in child development, preparation for higher education teaching, and experience working with intersectionally diverse student populations.
The ideal candidate will be an early childhood scholar and teacher educator who has expertise in multilingualism and biliteracy education. They will prioritize preparing teachers to serve Black, Latine, and other children of Color across their full range of abilities and disabilities. They will demonstrate scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. They will also demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, racial, and economic justice.
Erikson offers a master’s level teacher licensure triple endorsement program in early childhood, English as a Second Language/bilingual, and early childhood special education. We employ a cohort model and are committed to utilizing technology enabled learning in our online and on campus programs. This is a ten-month position that includes a 2/2 course load per academic year. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
ETHOS OF CARE APPROACH
Faculty in the teacher licensure program work from a reflective ethos of care, the radical act of taking care of ourselves and one another. Faculty strive to connect with students modeling the relationship-based approach that is foundational to early childhood education and the intersections of early childhood, bilingual/ESL, and special education. Our program is guided by an ethos of care for and with our students. Adjunct instructors are expected to embody an ethos of care in their own pedagogy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A Ph.D. or Ed.D.in early childhood, bilingual/multilingual education, child development or aligned field.
- Early childhood scholar with a strong foundation in bilingual/multilingual early childhood pedagogy and preparation for teacher education to serve Black, Latine, and other children of Color in transformative and just ways—racially, culturally, socioeconomically, linguistically.
- An earned teaching degree and at least 3-years' experience working with bilingual/multilingual early childhood learners (ages 0-8 years old).
- An active scholarly agenda that includes: (a) conducting research focused on multilingualism and biliteracy education in early childhood (including dual language, translanguaging, and bilingual education); (b) publishing in relevant peer-reviewed journals; (c) developing a record of pursuing external funding; and/or (d) presenting scholarship at professional conferences.
- Ability to promote collaborative and positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
- Experience working with ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse populations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Successful record of university teaching.
- Ability to teach Literacy, Social Studies and/or STEM content area courses.
- Experience with course and/or curriculum design
- Experience working with intersectionally minoritized or systematically excluded populations, including students with disabilities.
- Experience in student mentoring and advisement.
- Familiarity with the Illinois teacher licensure requirements, ESL endorsement, and broader licensure landscape.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Apply by November 1, 2026, for full consideration. Salary offered to the selected candidate is negotiable depending upon experience and qualifications.
Questions may be directed to Michelle Smith at [contact details available in the full listing].
Application Materials Required
NOTE: Please attach all documents, in a single PDF, before the submission process is finalized. The system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents after submission.
- A cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing professional goals in research, teaching, and community engagement experiences and interests.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Reprint of one peer-reviewed publication (within the last 3 years).
- Teaching evaluations (if any).
- Reference list, not reference letters (3-4 names and contact information).
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community that honors justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and advances each employee and our mission.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
PI[contact details available in the full listing]
