Assistant Professor

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Teacher Education Department is seeking a tenure-track assistant professor in the area of Early Childhood STEM to join our dynamic and growing team. We are seeking candidates who are accepting and affirming of all people and who have experience in methods of instruction in Early Childhood STEM. Successful candidates should also have experience in inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogies, reconceptualizing early childhood education, funds of knowledge, and play-based learning.

Duties include teaching Early Childhood and Early Childhood STEM courses, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels; scholarly research and publication; contributing to the diversity, inclusion, access, and equity efforts; supervising field experiences, collaborating with schools; and participating in institutional initiatives directed toward excellence in Teacher Education. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position with an anticipated start date of August 14, 2023.

The university and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer.

Why UNO?

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is fueled by its historical ties to Omaha. As the first municipal university in Omaha, the early founders’ goal was to make higher education accessible and affordable for the city’s residents. In 1968, the campus joined the University of Nebraska system, and today has the unique role of serving as the state’s metropolitan campus.

Accessibility remains a top priority in UNO’s mission and vision. Today, the campus is known for its student-centered environment, its community engagement, and its dedication to embracing students from all types of backgrounds. UNO’s ranking as the 2020 Best College for LGBTQ+ Students In Nebraska (https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-lgbtq-friendly-colleges-by-state/) reflects a commitment to the Maverick values of access, inclusion and diversity that make UNO a welcoming campus community, evidenced by the numerous resources and support services offered by the university.

The campus has built strong partnerships with local business, education, government, arts, and civic organizations in the city. UNO’s commitment to community engagement has landed UNO on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for seven consecutive years—the highest federal recognition a school can receive for civic engagement.

This honor is but one of many points of pride for UNO. In 2019, it was ranked in the top ten public institutions in the nation for military friendliness by Military Times magazine for the fifth consecutive year. Nearly 90 percent of UNO’s 15,500 students are from Nebraska, and roughly 60 percent of recent alumni surveyed report graduating with no debt or less than $5,000 in debt. It is simply one of the most competitively priced institutions in the region. UNO, while large enough to provide students with global opportunities, thrives on its personal and close-knit campus culture, where students come first and partnerships with the community grow every day. For more information about how UNO embraces its mission, see Growing With and Within Our Thriving Community. (https://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-support/che-ad-for-uno---may-20201.pdf)

Required Qualifications

An earned doctorate in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood STEM or related field preferred. ABD considered.

Successful candidates must have knowledge of theoretical underpinnings and teaching methods and assessments for Early Childhood STEM; at least three years of successful full-time teaching experience as a PK-12 educator; commitment to diversity, equity, anti-racism in ECE, and inclusion; evidence of scholarly research or potential for scholarly research; and professional service.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with: prior university teaching experience, evidence of excellence in teaching; involvement with supervision of university students in field experiences; experience as an Early Childhood STEM teacher; working with students in culturally/linguistically diverse settings; collaborative research experience; collaboration experience between a university, early childhood centers and public schools; knowledge of instructional technology in curriculum; and experience with online or blended teaching and learning.