Assistant Professor of Elementary Education Methods

Providence College; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Providence College invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, tenure-track faculty position in Elementary Education Methods beginning in Fall 2027. We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to evidence-based instructional practices and the preparation of highly effective elementary and special education teachers.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate methods courses, supervise field experiences, advise majors, and collaborate with local schools and community partners.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in elementary education or teacher education by appointment time.
• Strong record or clear potential for scholarship in elementary education.
• Commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence in a teacher-preparation program.

Responsibilities

• Teach face-to-face undergraduate elementary education methods courses and supervise field experiences.
• Design and deliver instruction, field-based learning, and assessments.
• Advise Elementary/Special Education majors on coursework and core requirements.
• Establish relationships with local schools and community partners.
• Contribute to accreditation and program improvement activities.
• Participate in department and college service and committees.
• Develop scholarly program and disseminate research through venues.

Skills

Scholarly activity

Undergraduate teaching

Collaboration skills

Education

Doctorate in Elementary Education

ABD considered

Job description

The Elementary/Special Education Department at Providence College invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, tenure-track faculty position in Elementary Education Methods, beginning in Fall 2027.

We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to the department’s commitment to academic excellence, evidence-based instructional practices, and the preparation of highly effective elementary and special education teachers. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate teacher candidates, scholarship and professional engagement, and collaboration with schools and community partners. We particularly welcome candidates with an established or emerging research agenda that has the potential to enhance the department’s national visibility and contribute meaningfully to the field of elementary education and teacher preparation.

As our student body, and Elementary Special Education majors, grow increasingly diverse; we have a strong preference for candidates who show a commitment to publicly engaged scholarship, student-centered pedagogical and mentoring practices, and support the success of students from historically marginalized economic, social, and cultural groups in the college classroom and in partner schools. Potential areas of specialization include but are not limited to social studies pedagogy, urban education, educating multilingual learners, inclusive systems and practices, and student teaching supervision.

Providence College:

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City. For years, Providence College has been recognized #1 in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and is ranked #1 in Undergraduate Teaching.

The School of Education and Social Work:

The Department of Elementary Special Education is situated within the School of Education and Social Work (SESW). The School of Education and Social Work’s vision statement is that “Our graduates cultivate human flourishing and foster a more just society.” The SESW values Reflection, Inclusivity, Engagement and Excellence. https://education-social-work.providence.edu/

The Elementary/ Special Education Department:

The Department of Education is widely recognized for its merged dual certification elementary and special education program. We seek to: a) educate and inclusively prepare outstanding pre-service teacher candidates in both elementary education (grades k-6) and special education (grades k-8); b) engage in high-quality teaching, scholarship, and service; and c) engage in diverse partnerships within our local community, across Rhode Island, throughout the New England Region and Internationally. The Elementary Special Education Program has a long history of emphasizing inclusive education, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.

Salary: $69,000-$120,000

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach face-to-face undergraduate elementary education methods courses and supervise associated field experiences.
• Design, develop, and deliver high-quality instructional, field-based learning experiences, and assessments.
• Advise Elementary/Special Education majors on coursework, including requirements within the Providence College Core Curriculum.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local schools and community partners.
• Contribute to accreditation and continuous program improvement activities.
• Participate actively in departmental and College-wide service and committee work.
• Develop and sustain a productive program of scholarly inquiry and disseminate research through appropriate professional and scholarly venues.
• Contribute to the College’s strategic priorities and mission through teaching, scholarship, service, and engagement with the broader community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in elementary education, teacher education, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. ABD candidates may be considered, provided the doctorate is completed by the time of employment.
• Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, scholarly activity and research related to elementary education, teacher preparation, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and teacher preparation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Expertise in, or demonstrated interest in, one or more foundational elementary subject areas; expertise in social studies is particularly welcome.
• Prior professional teaching experience in K–6 elementary classrooms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with curriculum development, accreditation, program assessment, or other forms of academic program leadership.
• Experience teaching undergraduate students, particularly in teacher preparation programs.
• Experience collaborating with K–12 schools, districts, community organizations, or other educational partners.
• Evidence of engagement with evidence-based instructional practices and contemporary issues in elementary education.

For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by November 30, 2026.

For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Marcy Zipke, Chair, Elementary/Special Education Department, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918-0001, at [e-mail]