Assistant Professor of Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy Instruction

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position

Envision yourself in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that has a deep commitment to position our graduates for success in their professional and personal lives. Visualize applying your energy and skills for an organization that respects and cares about its employees enough to offer some of the best benefits of the industry while encouraging every team member to grow, collaborate, and provide input on how to consistently make the workplace a place people love to work. Imagine working at a college that welcomes everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members — regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions. If what was just described is what you look for in a workplace, welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) !

The College of Education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)  invites applications for a full-time tenure track Assistant Professor position to begin August 2023. We are seeking applicants with content knowledge and expertise in Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy instruction. The workload for this position requires engagement in research, teaching, and service to the department, college, and university.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have expertise in a variety of instructional approaches to literacy, including the Science of Reading, and who have a strong interest in inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to teacher education. Preference will be given to applicants with a commitment to social justice and inclusive education. 

Who We Are: 

The College of Education professional education programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and the Colorado Commission of Higher Education (CCHE). The College of Education offers programs in professional education and teacher licensure in Inclusive Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education; Counseling; Educational Administration; and Student Affairs in Higher Education. Undergraduate, Master and PhD degrees are awarded by the College. Candidates are invited to view the College of Education website at: https://coe.uccs.edu/ .

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system  and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. UCCS offers 53 undergraduate degree programs, 24 graduate degree programs, and 8 doctoral programs. UCCS is also home to the world’s only Bachelor of InnovationTM program, which allows our graduates to master multi-disciplinary skills and graduate ready to create real change in the world. UCCS was recently classified as a “High Research Activity” university by the Carnegie Foundation and takes pride in being the only higher education institution in southern Colorado that explicitly includes research as part of its mission. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of offices – First Year Experience, Excel Centers, Academic Advising, and the Career Center just to name a few. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus.

The city, which was recently ranked as the number two Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful” and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. The 14,115 foot summit is just one of dozens of area attractions, including scenic trails, museums, parks, a zoo and more. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state’s best recreation opportunities.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. For general information about UCCS, its programs, locations, students, faculty, and offerings, go to: https://www.uccs.edu/

Job Duties:

Related to Teaching:

• Teach five courses each academic year, split between the fall and spring semesters. Primary teaching responsibilities will be graduate and undergraduate courses in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Inclusive Elementary Education programs.
• Use effective distance and online learning methods when needed.
• Implement culturally responsive practices.
• Develop thorough syllabi and Canvas content OR follow the provided syllabus and Canvas content for the course.

Related to Research:

• Contribute to the research profile of the department through publications.
• Pursue grants and other sponsored program activities.

Related to Service:

• Serve on department, college, and university committees.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students regarding progress in COE programs.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Job Competencies:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of best practices in both inclusive education and adult learning methods
• Ability to orchestrate engaging distance learning experiences
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding critical and sensitive information, records, and reports
• Ability to work in partnership with colleagues and faculty, and display flexibility and creativity
• Multicultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to diversity in all forms

Work Location:  This position is intended to be on-site, in-person.  

Remote work will be available for emergency events. This will be offered based on the emergency and allowance will come from leadership and the guidelines provided at the time of the emergency.

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What We Offer:

Salary Range:  $64,000 - $72,000/academic year

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits , some of which include:

• Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
• Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
• Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
• Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
• Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
• Faculty Housing Assistance Program

Please consider reviewing the Total Compensation page at Total Compensation Calculators | University of Colorado

Tentative Search Timeline:

• Complete applications submitted by 11:59 pm December 5, 2022, will receive full consideration; however, the posting will remain open until the position has been filled.
• First round of video interviews via HireVue expected to be completed by December 12, 2022. 
• Second round of interviews with the search committee and other stakeholders expected to be held by mid-January 2023.
• This position will begin, fall semester, August 2023.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check. 

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in Education, Elementary Education, Literacy, and/or closely related area (reading, linguistics, curriculum and instruction) from a regionally accredited institution.
• At least three years of experience teaching reading and/or writing to children with diverse abilities in P-12 schools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year experience teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated evidence of ability to sustain scholarship and professional record as shown in CV

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move. Employee is occasionally required to have long periods of sitting, moderate bending, and fine motor skills. Tasks may involve looking at computer screen continuously for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.