What are the responsibilities and job description for the Faculty Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Tenure-Track) position at Hastings College?
The Department of Teacher Education at Hastings College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Director of Field Experiences. The start date is either January 6, 2027 or August 6, 2027. We seek an educator who is passionate about preparing future teachers through excellence in teaching, meaningful PK–12 partnerships, and innovative field-based experiences. This full-time, residential faculty position (teaching in-person and daily on campus) combines teaching with leadership of the department's clinical experiences and offers the opportunity to shape the preparation of highly effective educators. As home to one of the larger majors on campus, the Hastings College Teacher Education Department utilizes a highly successful, field-based model to prepare impactful, classroom-ready educators.
The successful candidate will split their focus between teaching foundational pedagogy coursework for secondary education majors and serving as the Director of Field Experiences. In the Director role, this individual will serve as the primary bridge between Hastings College and our PK-12 school partners, orchestrating and overseeing the clinical placement pipeline. Depending on the applicant's expertise, there are additional opportunities to teach in areas such as special education, educational assessment, or technology integration.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Teach 24 credit hours annually, including secondary methods courses and foundational education courses based on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. This includes 8 credit hours of course release for responsibilities as Director of Field Experiences.
- Serve as the Director of Field Experiences for the teacher education program.
- Oversee the logistical lifecycle of clinical experiences, including early field observations, practicums, and student teaching assignments across diverse settings.
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with PK-12 schools and districts.
- Recruit, assign, train, and support mentor teachers and college supervisors.
- Ensure field experiences comply with Nebraska Department of Education requirements, department and institutional policies, and accreditation standards.
- Maintain accurate records and reports related to field experiences and clinical practice.
- Communicate effectively with teacher candidates, school partners, and faculty.
- Serve as an academic advisor and mentor, supporting students’ professional growth from admission through recommendation for licensure.
- Supervise and mentor teacher candidates during clinical placements, including observation, feedback, and evaluation.
- Develop course syllabi and curriculum rooted in research-based methodologies and educational best practices.
- Work in a professional, collegial, and team-oriented manner within the Teacher Education Department and campus community.
- Maintaining compliance with policies and procedures within the Teacher Education Program.
- Collaborate with departmental faculty to assess and continuously improve curriculum, clinical experiences, and program effectiveness through data-informed decision making.
- Participate in departmental, institutional, and professional service consistent with faculty responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Education - Earned doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Education or a closely related field; ABD candidates may be considered
- Certification – Hold or have held teaching certification appropriate for secondary education.
- Experience – Minimum of three years of successful secondary teaching experience in accredited PK-12 schools.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Exhibit potential for teaching excellence, knowledge of emerging trends in the field, and a working knowledge of how students learn.
- Experience with or strong interest in clinical supervision and field-based teacher preparation.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to use educational technologies and data management systems to coordinate clinical experiences, communicate with stakeholders, and support program assessment.
To receive full consideration, applications must include a cover letter describing qualifications and interest in the position, a Curriculum Vitae, your unoffical transcripts of highest degree obtained, and at least three professional references. Initial review of applications will begin September 1.
HASTINGS COLLEGE
HASTINGS COLLEGE– Founded in 1882, Hastings College is dedicated to the liberal arts educational model that prepares students to be citizens and leaders of the communities. Our education builds the innate talents of each student through impactful real-world experiences and universal curriculum to maximize their personal and career success in an ever-changing world. We have an enrollment of around 900, a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and are housed on 120 beautiful acres. Hastings, Nebraska, population 25,000, is a supportive community with a multitude of amenities
MISSION– Formed through exceptional teaching, deliberate mentoring, welcoming and participatory community, Hastings College sends forth creative, curious, caring students who thrive as citizens and leaders of their local and global communities.
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA– Hastings, Nebraska is an attractive residential community located in the heart of south central Nebraska. Hastings is two and a half hours west of Omaha, six hours east of Denver and five hours northwest of Kansas City. The city enjoys excellent public and private schools, offers numerous professional and community services, and serves as a cultural center for a large surrounding area.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Hastings College is committed to supporting a welcoming academic and employment environment. The College is an Equal Opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship now or in the future.