Assistant/Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education (Graduate Level)

THE OPPORTUNITY

The National College of Education at National Louis University (NLU) invites applications for a faculty position in Early Childhood Education graduate programs. This is a full-time, 10-month, open-ranking position (Assistant/Associate) faculty position.

The successful candidate will possess expertise in early childhood education and administration to support the growth of teacher preparation and administration programs and to teach graduate-level coursework at the master's level. Additionally, there will be opportunities for the successful applicant to contribute to the development of a doctoral program. Candidates with experience teaching in higher education, working in birth - Grade 2 settings, or holding positions in early childhood program administration and leadership are highly desired.

WHO WE ARE

NLU's National College of Education (NCE) understands that serving PreK-12 students as teachers and school leaders is a calling, a commitment, and a career. Our unique style of partnership with students at all levels-from new teacher preparation to advanced professional programs to doctoral degrees-guides all we do as we create today's teachers and tomorrow's leaders.

Our programs are designed with the needs of our students in mind. Graduates frequently cite the National College of Education's top quality professors, convenient locations, flexible course offerings and affordability. Most of all, the commitment to "real world" progressive education is unparalleled. NCE graduates make a difference. Our educators are found in 40% of Illinois public schools and 75% of Chicago Public Schools, collectively impacting the lives of 60,000 students each year.

At NCE, our commitment to learning includes ourselves. We have recently created four new programs and evolved an additional 21 programs to more appropriately address the needs of today's educators.

WHO YOU ARE

You are: A Change Leader.
You are an accomplished PreK-12 educator with a passion for developing students and teachers to their fullest potential. You are an experienced leader who has successfully guided schools and/or district through change. You are a constructive partner who leads the work that needs to be done and advocates for high quality education. You are a veteran educator attracted to university teaching as a new career step and a new level of positive influence on American education. You are deeply motivated by a desire to work in a learning community that is preparing the next generation of life-changing leaders.

You will: Model and Support Research.
You believe in the power of practitioner researchers. You will draw upon current research to inform your instruction. You will use your research agenda to model research methodologies for our candidates. You will support our candidates as they become research practitioners.

You are ready to: Make an Impact.
Each and every day, this program changes lives. You want to be a part of NCE's societally impactful leadership as an educator preparation institution. You are someone who will always look for creative ways for students to earn success. We know this work is challenging, but we are in it together and you are inspired by the opportunity to work collaboratively with other educational leaders to optimize our impact together.

Teaching includes developing and teaching core special education and related courses and creating and fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students, as well as advising and mentoring graduate students on their academic and professional goals.
• Engaging in the thought leadership responsibilities of a professional practice faculty member. This includes but is not limited to collaborating with colleagues on curriculum and course development, grant proposals, and extracurricular activities as well as maintaining expertise in the areas of early childhood education research, policy, and practice.
• Contributing to the university through service, including mentoring and advising responsibilities for graduate students, service to the department through program improvement and development, program recruitment, and program accreditation efforts, service to the college (e.g., through committee work), and service to the larger university, community, and profession.
• Supporting and leading efforts at the course, department, college, and university levels to address educational justice using an intersectional lens. Efforts include curriculum improvement and development as well as departmental and university committees, initiatives, and activities related to advancing racial, disability, and social justice.
• Maintaining and enhancing community engagement and existing partnerships with community agencies and schools. This includes working alongside other faculty members, leadership, and students to build relationships with administrators, teachers, and community organization leaders.

• Doctorate degree required, Master's Degree plus significant tested experience may be considered
• 3-5 years of experience in teaching within early childhood settings (from birth to Grade 2).
• Experience in administrative roles within early childhood settings (from birth to Grade 2).
• Demonstrated expertise as an early childhood teacher educator, preferably courses in early childhood administration.
• Proven experience and proficiency in teaching across various higher education platforms, including online, blended, and face-to-face formats.
• Demonstrated or planned scholarly research agenda focused on early childhood education.
• Willingness to teach and supervise practicum and student teachers placed in urban and high-needs educational environments.
• Strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as promoting social justice in education.

Preferred

• Bilingual in English/Spanish

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time faculty benefits can be found here.

NLU Faculty salaries are based on rank within each college. The ranges for each rank for the National College of Education are listed below:

2024 NCE 10-Month Faculty Salary Ranges

Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, current/previous faculty rank, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.