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Human Resources

2025-26 Assistant Professor of Educational Studies

Illinois Wesleyan University is seeking to hire an outstanding faculty member in a teaching track position at the Assistant Professor rank in Educational Studies, beginning August 2025. The ideal candidate will be conversant about and committed to Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading and the IL Comprehensive Literacy Plan. The candidate  will also be prepared to deliver university courses in K-12 English Language Arts, reading, and curriculum and pedagogy. Other responsibilities may include teaching the student teaching seminar and supervising student teachers. Additional qualifications include the ability to develop new courses that carry general education credit and to serve as academic advisor. Course descriptions can be found within the University Catalog. 

At IWU, the teaching track focuses on developing innovative curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and the university. It is a renewable, nine-month appointment built on consecutive six-year contracts. Typically, initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching track are designed to support long-term engagement and professional growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following the successful renewal of the initial 6-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional benefits for the position include the possibility of modest startup funds and three course releases to be taken in the first five years of appointment.

Illinois Wesleyan University is a highly-selective, national, liberal arts, undergraduate-only institution that enrolls ~1600 students each year, where teaching excellence is highly emphasized. The Educational Studies Department is deeply committed to promoting social justice and teacher inquiry and works closely with students as they pursue these aims. The University, which articulates social justice in its Mission Statement, is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Inclusive Excellence.

Required Qualifications:

  • PhD/EdD in a relevant specialization with possible additional graduate coursework in a second specialization. ABD will be considered.
  • Public school teaching experience
  • Familiarity with Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and Culturally Relevant Teaching and Leading Standards
  • Experience teaching undergraduate students in a liberal arts setting
  • Demonstrated track record of exemplary teaching in a K-12 setting or at the undergraduate level 

The following application materials are required:

  • Letter of interest describing how research, teaching, and/or service has provided preparation for contributing to our commitment to address issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and/or other issues of historical marginalization (i.e., diversity, equity and inclusion)
  • A teaching philosophy statement explaining teaching experience, including specific examples of teaching methods and approaches to working with diverse populations
  • A curriculum vita
  • Summary of course evaluations and sample syllabi, if available
  • A transcript of one’s graduate training
  • Three letters of recommendation

Application materials should be sent electronically as PDF attachments to Dr. Leah Nillas, Dean, School of Educational Studies c/o Meghan Phelps, mphelps@iwu.edu.  A review of applications will commence after January 31, 2025.