Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at University of Northern Iowa.

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Full Consideration Date:

Job Description:

The University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Division of Literacy Education, seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Literacy Education, starting in August 2025, with a strong emphasis on elementary literacy, particularly with racially, linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse students. We seek demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: language development, supporting multilingual learners’ literacy development, and early literacy.  

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate (MAE and Ed.D.) courses in a teacher preparation program for elementary education; engaging in scholarship and publication; participating in department/university initiatives; developing curriculum and engaging in innovative practice​; contributing to a collegial team environment; advising graduate students; and serving on masters/doctoral-level committees. 

Required Qualifications:

Earned doctorate in Elementary Education, Reading or Literacy Education, or a closely related field by the start date; well-developed ease with digital communications, teaching tools, online and face-to-face methods of instruction, and willing to learn and skillfully use the learning management system; excellent interpersonal skills, including collaborating as a team with diverse individuals; developing a research agenda and potential for scholarly productivity; and demonstrated experience as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist/coach in public school and/or those who have successfully worked with students in practical or clinical educational settings required.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with successful design/delivery of online and face-to-face undergraduate/graduate instruction and experiences targeting traditional and non-traditional university students; experience with a range of literacy approaches and current research; and willingness to partner with educators and preservice teachers in local school environments through applied practice preferred.

UNI’s Literacy Education division features faculty who work and publish collaboratively and offer innovative doctoral, master's, and undergraduate educational programs. The division offers formats that include face-to-face campus-based, professional development school (PDS) based, and online synchronous and asynchronous instruction to extend access to programs for students across Iowa, the US, and internationally. The division is housed within a department that supports partnerships with community colleges to support students beginning their degree at the high school and community college and finishing at UNI. The department offers a paraeducator-to-teacher apprenticeship program leading to elementary and special education licensure in partnership with Iowa school districts. Fall 2025 will see the implementation of an updated educator preparation program culminating after two years of campus-wide study and innovation.

For more information, please contact Dr. Sarah Vander Zanden, Search Committee Chair, at 319-273-7270 or e-mail at sarah.vanderz@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks are required.

Position Details:

Job Category:  Faculty

Type of Position:  Tenure Track

Service Schedule:  Academic Year

Application Instructions: 

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

1) Curriculum Vita
2) Cover Letter

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

Iowa enjoys a lower cost of living than many other states. See how the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area compares by utilizing the cost of living calculator. Our overall compensation package is enhanced by excellent benefits for eligible non-temporary positions. To learn more about the vibrant Cedar Valley community, visit https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.