The Department of Curriculum & Instruction is seeking an open-rank faculty member in early childhood education (ECE). This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-line or tenured appointment depending on rank at the time of hire. Distinguished candidates at the advanced associate or full professor level will be considered for the inaugural Yew Chung-Bernard Spodek Chair in Early Childhood Education. Applicants at all levels—assistant, associate, and full professor, are encouraged to apply. Information is provided below for applicants interested in the Chung-Spodek Chair.
Position Description: The ECE program has faculty in the Departments of Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education, which have long been recognized among the top programs in the nation. The Department of Curriculum & Instruction, ranked fifth in the nation in the 2013 U.S. News and World Report, is committed to addressing critical issues of learning, teaching, and social justice at the global and local levels. The successful candidate will carry out a rigorous research program and actively pursue external funding. He/she will contribute to the collaborative program in the Departments of Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education leading to ECE certification and endorsement for teaching in Early Childhood Special Education. He/she also will: (a) develop and teach face-to-face, online, and/or blended courses in the undergraduate teacher education and graduate programs; (b) actively recruit and mentor graduate students; (c) work collaboratively with professionals and practitioners across the campus and community; and (d) provide leadership and service at the local, state, and national levels.
Qualifications: Earned doctorate in ECE or a closely related field required. Candidates at the assistant professor level must have an earned doctorate at the time of hire. Candidates at the associate and full professor level must have an established record of research, teaching, and service to meet the University’s requirements for tenure and appointment at the respective rank. Depending on rank, candidates will demonstrate a line of research that will lead to an outstanding and sustained record of scholarship and to securing external funding, or will already have such an established record. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in relevant theories and research methodologies in ECE (ages birth to eight years) and in preparing educators to address the needs of all young children, with a particular focus on linguistically and culturally diverse populations, and/or on children who are vulnerable because of poverty, developmental delays, or other individual, environmental, and/or social challenges.
Information about the Yew Chung-Bernard Spodek Chair in Early Childhood Education: The Chair was created to serve as a catalyst for innovative collaborative research efforts and practices that reflect the rapidly changing field of ECE. The position will continue Illinois’ tradition of preeminence in early childhood scholarship and is intended to focus attention on the changing demographics of young children and the importance of an international perspective on ECE as we prepare students to develop the cross-cultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of true global citizens. The position carries an annual allocation of $50,000 in research funds for a five-year term. To be considered for the Yew Chung-Bernard Spodek Chair, the successful candidate will have a nationally and/or internationally recognized research program. He/she will be well positioned to (a) provide college and campus leadership in promoting and participating in inter- and trans-disciplinary research related to meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children and families, addressing the changing nature of ECE services (e.g., advent of early learning standards, expansion of pre-kindergarten programs and bilingual programs, increased emphasis on emerging literacy and numeracy, professional development of ECE staff), and (b) provide vision and national/international leadership in representing the centrality of early childhood issues in educational improvement and reform.
Salary and Starting Date: Salary will be commensurate with rank and experience. The proposed starting date is August 16, 2014.
Applications: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 30, 2013. Applicants need to create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload one combined pdf file that contains a cover letter, curriculum vitae, personal statement of teaching and research philosophies, and the names and contact information for three references by the close date. All requested information must be submitted for an application to be considered. For more information please contact Search Committee Co-Chair: Professor Margery Osborne (E-mail: m-osbor@illinois.edu; phone: +1-217-244-1271).
The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu