Adjunct Teaching Specialist Ojibwe Focus AY 25-26

About the Job

Position Overview

The Institute of Child Development is seeking an Early Childhood Education Instructor for a new focus within the B.S. in Early Childhood degree, set to launch in Fall 2025. The specific class schedule will be arranged in coordination with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Early Childhood Education program .

The Institute of Child Development is seeking a community adjunct instructor to support the implementation of an Ojibwe culture and language pathway within the individualized studies track of the B.S. in Early Childhood degree program. The individualized studies track in the B.S. Early Childhood program allows students to select a supporting program to supplement their early childhood content. The program will offer 4 core early childhood education courses (1 per semester) and seeks one or more community adjunct instructors with a background in Ojibwe language and culture.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support the Institute of Child Development’s commitment to anti-racism.

These are temporary, non-tenured, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) positions as Teaching Specialist or Lecturer, paid on a per course basis for the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. 

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Teaching (90%)

• Teach assigned course at an undergraduate or graduate level on course topics such as: social and emotional learning, cognitive and language learning, creativity and motor learning, and field work in early learning settings. 
• Prepare course materials including syllabus
• Attend all class meetings
• Grade student materials including exams, papers, presentations, and final exams.
• Submit grades.
• Other duties as assigned.

Student Advising (10%)

• Respond to student inquiries via email, phone, or in person.
• Be available for scheduled office hours.

Qualifications

Required

• Holds a master’s degree or higher in any field AND:
• (a) at least 18 graduate credits in the teacher educator’s area of instruction; OR
• (b) has completed a dissertation or published peer-reviewed research in the teacher educator’s area of instruction Early Childhood Education teaching license from MN or equivalent license from other state or country
• A minimum of three years as teacher of record and one year teaching experience in an Early Childhood setting as the teacher of record. 
• Experience in an early childhood setting within the past three years (e.g., teacher, curriculum specialist, teacher candidate supervisor, researcher, or other administrative positions) and in professional organizations and other education-related endeavors at the local, state, or national levels
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred

• Previous University teaching experience.
• Fluency in Ojibwe language (verbal and written)
• Experience working with Native American communities in the Midwest
• Knowledge and experience with language immersion programs
• Experience working with diverse populations: particularly dual language learners 
• Proven ability to work respectfully with students of all backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling one to work both independently and collaboratively and to build consensus with diverse groups of people

About the Department

About the Department

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children’s development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to “give away” child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

About the College

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $2,633.33 per credit; final salary offers are dependent on the candidate’s experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. 

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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