Assistant Professor Educational Foundations - College of Education and Community Innovation
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
USD 64k-66k / year
Posted on Sep 27, 2025
The Department of Literacy, Educational Foundations, and Technology in the College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Educational Foundations, beginning August 2026, subject to funding approval.
We seek a colleague with expertise in culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies who can teach primarily undergraduate Educational Foundations courses with an emphasis on history, philosophy, and sociology of education and who has demonstrated success facilitating first-year students’ experiences.
We particularly invite applications from candidates who:
○ Have professional and applied experiences teaching in Birth–12th grade settings
○ Have worked with or conducted research on students from diverse backgrounds
○ Have knowledge of and experience with social and behavioral sciences research, educational assessment, and/or culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices
We seek a colleague with expertise in culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies who can teach primarily undergraduate Educational Foundations courses with an emphasis on history, philosophy, and sociology of education and who has demonstrated success facilitating first-year students’ experiences.
We particularly invite applications from candidates who:
○ Have professional and applied experiences teaching in Birth–12th grade settings
○ Have worked with or conducted research on students from diverse backgrounds
○ Have knowledge of and experience with social and behavioral sciences research, educational assessment, and/or culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices
Required Qualifications and Education:
Earned Doctorate or ABD (with expected completion by August 1, 2026) in Educational Foundations or history of education, philosophy of education, or sociology of education from an accredited institution
Record of relevant or emerging research agenda and scholarship in Educational Foundations or a related field
Ability and willingness to teach first-year undergraduate courses
Ability to support place-based partnerships and students participating in those partnerships
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Demonstrated potential for university teaching in one or more of the following areas:
Social, historical, or philosophical foundations of education
Urban education
Cultural studies
Teacher education
Research methods in the social and behavioral sciences
Educational Assessment
Ability to teach face-to-face classes on both the Grand Rapids and Allendale Campuses
Minimum of five years demonstrated successful teaching in Birth–12th grade environments
Effective oral and written communication
Collaborative interpersonal skills
Willingness to teach in multiple instructional modalities, including: Hybrid formats, Online synchronous/asynchronous, and Distance learning
Preferred Qualifications and Education:
Strong background in interdisciplinary teaching and/or research
Completion of doctoral studies
Evidence with student-centered and relationship-centered teaching
Experience teaching social and behavioral sciences research methods
Experience in Birth-6th grade environments
Experience teaching introductory courses in education
Commitment to teaching with an intersectional lens
Experience with field-based placements and partnerships
Engagement with pedagogies that address multiple forms of oppression (race, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, etc.)
Understanding of and commitment to teaching all students
Potential to coordinate field-based experiences
Evidence of collaborative endeavors with colleagues (research, teaching, curriculum development, etc.)
Responsibilities – Essential Functions:
Teach and collaborate on Educational Foundations courses, including place-based courses, social and behavioral sciences, assessment, research, and theory
Teach undergraduate Educational Foundations courses in face-to-face and online modalities (three courses fall semester, three courses winter semester)
Assist students pursuing teaching credentials with academic advising and career exploration
Conduct scholarly activities (research, publication, conference presentations)
Engage in service activities that support departmental goals, university initiatives, professional development, and community partnerships
Salary: $64,000 - $66,000, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Campus Location: City Campus, Grand Rapids, Michigan
How to Apply: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu and select “Apply now.” Complete applications must include:
- (1) Cover letter addressing qualifications
- (2) Curriculum vitae
- (3) Teaching statement
- (4) Names and contact information of three professional references
- (5) Graduate transcripts (unofficial acceptable for application; official
- transcripts required prior to on-campus interview)
The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Questions about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Kevin Holohan, at holohank@gvsu.edu.
Interview Process:
First round interviews will be conducted via video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype).
Second round interviews will be in-person on campus and accommodations will be provided for those applicants invited to participate.
Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin on November 1, 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
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