Clinical Assistant Professor in Development and Learning in Elementary Education

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE); Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Clinical Assistant Professor in Development and Learning in Elementary Education to begin July 1, 2027. This full-time, three-year appointment focuses on teaching the BA in Elementary Education and related undergraduate programs.

The position emphasizes practice-based instruction, equity and developmental science, and collaboration with schools and community partners to align coursework with standards and to

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in education or related social science disciplines.
• Professional experience in elementary education, teacher preparation, and/or applied work in human development or family science contexts.
• Evidence of effective and inclusive undergraduate teaching, particularly with students preparing for careers in education or human-serving professions.
• Ability to bridge theory and practice with attention to equity, diversity, and the developmental needs of children and families.
• Experience collaborating with faculty, school partners, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to preparing future elementary educators through high-quality, practice-based instruction and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in the BA in Elementary Education and related programs with a focus on elementary classroom contexts and development.
• Design, coordinate, and continually improve coursework and clinical experiences in the BA Elementary Education program.
• Collaborate with program faculty to align coursework, clinical practice, and standards for elementary teacher preparation.
• Engage in service activities supporting undergraduate programs, accreditation work, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
• Contribute to scholarly-practitioner engagement in the School of Education's research and professional communities.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Equity and inclusion focus

Bridge theory to practice

Collaboration with schools

Education

Earned doctorate in education or related social science

Job description

Clinical Assistant Professor in Development and Learning in Elementary Education

Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The UNC School of Education, one of the longest-standing professional schools at the nation’s first public university, ranks among the top schools of education in the U.S. and offers a full range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctorate; forward-thinking certificate and licensure programs; and in-person, online, and HyFlex offerings. Faculty members generate knowledge across a number of fields, including human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, educational policy and leadership, and more; they also prepare students to become the most highly effective educators to lead in classrooms, schools, districts and beyond, as well as future scholars and researchers.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Carolina), established in 1793 as the first public university in the nation, is a doctoral-granting institution situated in the beautiful college town of Chapel Hill, NC. Ranked fifth among public institutions by US News & World Report, and one of the original public ivy schools, Carolina has earned a reputation as one of the best universities in the world. We pride ourselves on a strong, diverse student body, unparalleled academic opportunities, and a value unmatched by any public university in the nation. The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education represents a significant expansion of the School s teacher preparation programs, strengthening Carolina s role in preparing the next generation of elementary educators through a fully undergraduate, practice-focused degree.

The School of Education is an academic unit reporting to the Provost. The School is a major center of research, teaching, and public service within the State of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. The mission of the School of Education is to conduct research, and generate basic and applied knowledge about human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, as well as educational policy and leadership; prepare leaders in the profession of education by conducting outstanding research, teaching, and service; and assist in the development of strong and effective public schools in North Carolina. In order to fulfill its mission, the School is organized into three academic divisions: (1) Culture, Curriculum, & Teacher Education (CCATE), (2) Learning, Development & Psychological Sciences (LDPS), and (3) Educational Policy, Organization, & Leadership (EPOL).

Position Summary

The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a scholar with professional experience in elementary teacher education and human development for an appointment at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor starting July 1, 2027. The position will contribute to the schools Bachelor of Arts program in Elementary Education as well as its undergraduate major in Human Development and Family Studies. The appointment is full-time for a three-year term, with the potential to renew for additional terms.

This clinical faculty position is primarily teaching-focused and undergraduate-centered. Responsibilities include:

• Teaching undergraduate courses in the BA in Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Science programs, with a focus on elementary classroom contexts, child and adolescent development, and applications of research in educational psychology or learning sciences to classroom settings.
• Contributing to the design, coordination, and continuous improvement of coursework and clinical experiences within the BA in Elementary Education program.
• Collaborating with program faculty to ensure alignment between coursework, clinical practice, and state and national standards for elementary teacher preparation.
• Participating in service activities that support undergraduate programs, including program assessment, accreditation-related work, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
• Contributing, as a scholar-practitioner, to the intellectual life of the School of Education through engagement with research, practice, and professional communities related to elementary education and human development.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

We seek to hire candidates with an earned doctorate in education or related social science disciplines.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Professional experience in elementary education, teacher preparation, and/or applied work in human development or family science contexts.
• Evidence of effective and inclusive undergraduate teaching, particularly with students preparing for careers in education or human-serving professions.
• A strong ability to bridge theory and practice in courses and clinical settings, with attention to equity, diversity, and the developmental needs of children and families.
• Experience working collaboratively with faculty, school partners, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to preparing future elementary educators through high-quality, practice-based instruction and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience in elementary-grades teacher education is preferred.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.