Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, Preschool Emphasis (6329)

Working Position Title Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, Preschool Emphasis (6329)

Classification Title Assistant Professor

Position Number 00006329

Posting Date 09/18/2024

Closing Date 

Priority Review Date 11/03/2024

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE 1.00

Position Status Regular

FLSA Exempt

Job Code 2000

Union Representation Union

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department Special and Early Education

College/Unit College of Education Dean

Division Academic Division

Location GA 159

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.cedu.niu.edu/seed/index.shtml

Overview

As one of six departments in the College of Education, the Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) houses undergraduate and graduate programs leading to licensure in special education (learning-behavior specialist I), early childhood education with special education and ESL/Bilingual approval, as well as masters’ coursework in Early Childhood and Special Education licensure/endorsement, Vision studies. SEED offers a nationally recognized course sequence qualifying students for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst examination and credential. Faculty scholarship spans the full range of early childhood (birth through grade 2), and all disability areas, pre-K through age 21. SEED faculty also maintain strong relationships with area school districts and organizations serving young children and individuals with disabilities. SEED’s special education and early childhood licensure programs have experienced rapid growth due to Illinois’ strong commitment to addressing teacher shortages and NIU’s strong partnerships with the community.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the baccalaureate through the doctorate. Colleges include business, education, engineering and engineering technology, law, liberal arts and sciences, health and human sciences, and visual and performing arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Position Summary 

The Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, Preschool Emphasis will have primary research and teaching experience in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on preschool educational trends and curricular approaches, including Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and developmentally appropriate, child-centered practices. Additionally, the successful candidate will have opportunities to teach and conduct research with faculty across colleges and departments (e.g., Child Development, Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, and other cognate areas) as part of a trans-disciplinary initiative at NIU.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop and deliver courses in the early childhood licensure program, specifically focusing on preschool curriculum and pedagogy.
• Publish impactful scholarship and seek grants in early childhood education.
• Provide service to the department and the field.
• Teach and conduct research with faculty across colleges and departments (e.g., Child Development, Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, and other cognate areas) as part of a trans-disciplinary initiative at NIU.
• Minimum Required Qualifications
• Doctorate in Early Childhood Education or closely aligned field (ABD will be considered with an established defense date).
• Minimum of three years of teaching children birth to age 8, in a private- or public-school setting or as an early interventionist.
• Evidence of a research agenda, the potential to conduct scholarship leading to tenure, and ability to seek external funding.
• Evidence of service in early childhood or related field.
• Demonstrated commitment through serving families and young children from diverse backgrounds, with demonstrated excellence in teaching, potential for rigorous scholarship in early childhood, and a dedication to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Additional Requirements
• A strong background teaching children from birth to age 8.
• Experience in preparing teacher candidates or providing adult learning opportunities at the collegiate level.
• Demonstrated scholarship in early childhood education.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with English learners or bilingual children and families.
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching in higher education or with adult learners.
• Ability to teach in an online environment.
• Licensure in early childhood with special education approval, or other licensure with early childhood endorsement
• Physical Demands SummarySitting & standing

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year 0.75

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range See above

Earn Type Salary

Application ProcedureFor full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/80144 to create an application profile and upload all required documents by November 3, 2024.

Required Materials:

• Current CV
• Cover Letter
• List of (3 to 5) References
• Statement of Commitment to Serving Families and Children with Diverse Backgrounds
• Unofficial Transcripts (official required upon hire)

Priority review of applications will begin after November 3, 2024 by the position search committee. Applications received after this date are welcomed and will be considered as needed.

Questions about the position should be directed to the chair of the committee, Stacy Kelly (skelly@niu.edu). Start date to be determined, but no later than August 16, 2025.

Successful completion of a background check will be required upon acceptance of contingent offer.

Special Instructions N/A

Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/80144

Is Background Check Required Yes

EEO Statement Summary 

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA AccommodationNIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety InformationNIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

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