Description

The School of Education at Colorado State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in elementary education with a specialization in literacy education. This is a 9-month appointment, effective August 16, 2026.
We seek a creative, collaborative, and visionary educator to establish a nationally recognized research program at the forefront of literacy education aimed at understanding how effective literacy instruction contributes to elementary student success and teacher preparation. Additionally, we seek an innovative and dynamic educator who brings a strong commitment to diverse learners, humanizing education, and can lead and teach elementary education literacy courses.

This tenure-track position involves undergraduate and graduate teaching (approximately 50 percent), research and mentoring involving undergraduates and graduate students (approximately 35 percent), and service/outreach (approximately 15 percent).

The successful candidate will:
Conduct high-level research in elementary literacy education aligned with department, college, and university strategic principles
Teach undergraduate literacy-related methods and other relevant elementary education courses (e.g., literacy methods, reading instruction, language arts)
Teach graduate-level courses (when possible) for master’s/doctoral degree programs in courses related to Elementary Education or courses specific to the research agenda/approaches.
Develop and sustain an innovative, extramurally funded research program focused on fundamental questions in literacy education
Collaborate with the school and local community partners pertaining to Elementary Education
Supervise undergraduate practicum students and student teachers in field placements
Disseminate research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences
Actively serve on the Elementary Education and Literacy program faculty workgroups
Develop new courses in specific areas of expertise as needed

For more information and full position description visit: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/169283. For full consideration, application should be received by December 22, 2025.

Requirements

Required Job Qualifications: 

Ph.D. in education (e.g., elementary education, literacy education, reading education, curriculum and instruction, teacher education, or related field). Doctorate must be conferred by the start date.
3-5 years of teaching experience at the elementary level OR middle school
A clearly articulated plan for an independent research program in literacy education

Preferred Job Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals in the area of literacy education
Evidence of successful grant writing or potential for securing external funding
Experience and expertise in teaching reading/literacy methods courses
Teaching experience in undergraduate and/or graduate courses
Evidence of culturally sustaining and/or humanizing pedagogical practices
Experience or background working with students with diverse learning needs
Demonstrated ability to build school-university partnerships and supervise teacher candidates
Familiarity with the Colorado READ Act or similar state legislation
Professional engagement in service/outreach activities