What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor - Elementary Education position at Pittsburg State University?
The Department of Teaching and Leadership at Pittsburg State University seeks an elementary education faculty member specializing in reading. Degree level and experience will be considered in determining rank and tenure status. The position will begin August of 2026. The department invites energetic, collaborative educators in reading who are committed to high-quality teaching to join an established faculty to partner in mentoring and instructing undergraduate students to become literacy leaders in their respective professions. This new faculty member will be expected to teach courses specifically focused on evidence-based approaches to literacy acquisition based on the science of reading. This position is aligned with the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, and the faculty member will be involved in working to support this statewide initiative. The successful candidate must have specific training and experience applying Structured Literacy methodologies. Applicants with doctoral degrees will be considered for tenure track (ABD will also be considered). Applicants with a Master’s degree will be considered for a non-tenure track position.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure curriculum and instruction meets the standards for teacher licensure as outlined by the Kansas State Department of Education
Ensure all curriculum and instruction for literacy courses taught are grounded in Structured Literacy
Faculty member will be involved with the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and ensure elementary education programs are aligned with the blueprint.
Faculty member will have an expectation of Teaching, Scholarship, and Service as outlined by the Department and College Tenure and Promotion documents.
Deliver assigned courses through in-person instruction on campus unless otherwise directed by Pittsburg State University.
Maintain regular on-campus office hours in line with Pittsburg State University and department guidelines.
Education and Experience
Required Education and Experience – Time of Hire
Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by August of 2026 in education, reading, or a similar field.
Teaching certification in an area of education
Minimum of three years of full-time public-school teaching experience in the United States
Experience utilizing evidence-based approaches in classroom and intervention settings with struggling students and teachers.
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in reading, literacy education or related field. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Education and Experience –
Earned Doctorate degree or ABD from a regionally accredited institution by August of 2026 in education, reading, or a similar field.
Theoretical knowledge and practical experience including working with diverse student populations, teaching a variety of content areas, and conducting a variety of assessments
1 year or more University teaching experience, preferably at the undergraduate level
Commitment to collaboration
Evidence of teaching excellence, both in-person and online
Interest and/or experience in teacher preparation
Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure Earning
Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.
Position Start Date: August 10, 2026
Application Documents Required*:
Letter of Application
Curriculum Vita
Evidence of teaching effectiveness
Names and contact information (address, email and phone) of three references.
Unofficial Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts
*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload.
First Consideration Date: June 29, 2026
Search Committee Chair: Dr. Bridgette Fincher ( bfincher@pittstate.edu )
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.
Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The Department of Teaching and Leadership serves 305 undergraduate majors and 314 graduate students. Excellence in teaching is emphasized. Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive regional university with an enrollment of 5,200 students and is in the city of Pittsburg, Kansas (approximate population of 20,000; www.pittks.org).