Faculty- Elementary Education

Elementary Education Faculty Position

Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Education at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The individual hired for this position will be responsible for teaching a variety of courses in the university’s undergraduate education program; advising education students; and will serve as a member of the Ron and Sheilah Gates College of Business, Education and Social Science. This position also requires the supervision of student teachers and practicum students. Experience teaching, or the ability to teach, some, or all, of the following courses is desirable: Elementary Social Studies Methods, Literacy Methods, Human Relations, Technology for Teachers, and Mathematics for the Elementary Teacher. Start date is August 15, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualification and experience. Priority will be given to applications submitted on or before January 20, 2026.

The DWU Education Program offers candidates a dynamic, student-centered curriculum built on a constructivist foundation and aligned with the InTASC standards. Our education faculty are passionate, creative, and deeply committed to providing an innovative, clinically rich preparation experience, which reflects DWU’s mission of service and highlights the professional attributes we value. The department’s close partnerships with the Mitchell School District and area schools provide sustained, real-world experiences that bring coursework to life and seamlessly connect teacher preparation with the daily work of K–12 education.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Hold a terminal degree in education (or be master’s prepared with significant relevant experience and working toward—or willing to work toward-- a terminal degree).
• Have successful experience as a teacher at the college level (or demonstrable promise thereof).
• Have successful experience as a classroom teacher at the primary level.
• Be firmly committed to high quality teaching and to active, experiential, project-based learning, and technology-facilitated instruction in an undergraduate learning environment.
• Be committed to mentoring students, including serving as an academic advisor.
• Have a plan and aspirations for professional growth and development.
• Successful teaching, practicum supervision, and supervision of student teachers.
  
  

Essential, Ongoing Responsibilities Associated With The Position Include

• Successfully mentoring and advising students.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, within the department, the college, and across the university.
• Providing service to the department, college, discipline, university, and community.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development and remaining current in one’s discipline and areas of specialization.
• Engaging in curriculum development.
• Engaging in ongoing assessment activities.
• Community outreach and the development of relationships with members of the local and regional communities (as appropriate).
• Acting in a professional and collegial manner (this includes maintaining a regular and ongoing presence on campus, maintaining confidentiality as required, holding regular office hours, participating in recruitment and retention efforts, participating in various academic ceremonies, and being accessible to students and colleagues).
• Participating in ongoing evaluations.
• Teaching in the Master of Education program (as appropriate).
• Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or negotiated.
  
  

All candidates are encouraged to provide evidence of successful college-level teaching, including strong professor-student relationships, commitment to student development, and creative pedagogical practice. All applications must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of four professional references. Original transcripts and background check will be required before an appointment is made.

Please submit materials electronically via email to Carol Grode-Hanks, Human Resources Manager, Dakota Wesleyan University at carol.grode-hanks@dwu.edu. Please write Elementary Education in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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