Assistant Professor, Non Tenure Track - Literacy

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri invites applications for an assistant professor (non tenure-track) in literacy education (9-month appointment) in the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum. We seek a doctorate in literacy education with potential for excellence in teaching and leadership in online and face-to-face instruction.

The position focuses on reading development and literacy education, with duties including leading the online literacy education graduate program, advising students,

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in literacy or reading education.
• Proven potential for excellence in teaching in higher education.
• Experience in leading online and/or face-to-face instruction in literacy education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the online literacy education graduate program.
• Advise students in the online literacy education program.
• Coordinate review of graduate students' state reading certificate programs.
• Teach face-to-face undergraduate and online graduate courses related to literacy education.
• Incorporate Science of Reading insights into teaching and collaboration.
• Contribute to the Literacy Masters and Undergraduate program through teaching and service.
• Provide leadership and service to the program, department, college, and university.

Skills

Reading development

Higher education instruction

Online teaching

Education

PhD in literacy education

Job description

Location

Columbia

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Job Description

The Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum (LTC) at the University of Missouri seeks applicants for an assistant professor (non tenure-track) position in literacy education (9-month appointment). The successful candidate will have a doctorate in literacy education, a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, a commitment to strong leadership in both online and face-to-face teaching, and skills pertinent to research, teaching, service, and collaboration.

A faculty member filling this position will maintain an active program of teaching, and service that is consistent with current College of Education and Human Development non tenure-track faculty. Of particular interest are instructors whose teaching is based in reading development and literacy education and examines critical issues in literacy education including literacy methods, standards, policies, community contexts in relation to literacy education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the online literacy education graduate program
• Advise students in the online literacy education program
• Coordinate the review of graduate students' state reading certificate programs
• Teach face-to-face undergraduate and online graduate courses related to literacy education consistent with the program and departmental instructional needs (e.g., early literacy methods, assessment, or a combination thereof)
• Incorporate the current limitations and possibilities of the Science of Reading landscape in teaching and collaboration
• Contribute primarily to the Literacy Masters and Undergraduate program through teaching and service
• Provide leadership and service to the program, department, college, and university

Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in literacy or reading education
• At least 3 years of experience teaching in an early/elementary literacy classroom or teacher education setting

Applicants will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

• Understanding of the current Science of Reading landscape, including limitations and possibilities for language and literacy teaching and learning
• Knowledge of early literacy policy, national/state standards
• Deep knowledge of reading development and instruction
• Record of (or demonstrated potential for) excellence in higher education instruction
• Success as a collaborator on an instructional team
• Ability to teach and support undergraduate and graduate students of literacy education
• Ability to work and engage collegially with individuals from literacy-focused settings as well as with department, university, and community members
• Knowledge of preservice teacher education for elementary literacy educators
• Experience teaching in pre-service teacher literacy education program
• Experience teaching in an online program
• Experience in programmatic leadership
• Classroom teaching experience in an early/elementary literacy setting

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin October 22, 2026, and continue until filled.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

The College of Education and Human Development and LTC

The University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) prepares and supports professionals in education, information, lifespan, and intervention sciences that improve the quality of life and economic development for the people of Missouri, the nation and the world.

The College's mission is fulfilled by taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach across a wide range of disciplines and professions, including educator preparation, leadership, counseling, early childhood education, special education, higher education, public policy, family and lifespan development, information sciences and technology.

The CEHD serves more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students across a broad portfolio of bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral programs. Nationally recognized for the strength and breadth of its academic programs, the College ranks among the nation's top 30 graduate schools of education and among the top 20 public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report. Several of its programs also hold strong national rankings, including special education, online education, educational administration, and library and information studies. The College has a substantial research and outreach footprint, with nearly $47 million in annual research expenditures supporting work that advances education, human development, and information sciences, as well as outreach activities extending throughout Missouri and beyond.

The Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum includes more than 30 faculty members from a range of emphasis areas, including early childhood education, science education, social studies education, literacy/English language arts, art education, and more. The mathematics education emphasis area has a proud tradition of both research and teaching excellence. It offers undergraduate degrees in elementary, middle school, and secondary education and multiple graduate certificates (Elementary Mathematics Specialist) and degrees (M.Ed., Ed.Sp., Ed.D., Ph.D.). Its doctoral program has been ranked in the Top 5 nationally and features active research efforts particularly focused on working with teachers, students, and leaders in public K-12 school districts.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.