Description:

The Department of Urban Education at the University of Houston-Downtown is seeking to hire a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Literacy with expertise in research-based methods of elementary literacy instruction for grades EC-6. Individuals with expertise in the Science of Teaching Reading in grades EC-6 are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to supporting and engaging a student body composed primarily of first-generation, non-traditional students. The department seeks an energetic, collaborative educator to teach research-based education courses, engage in service to the institution, the community, and the profession, and develop a record of active scholarship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy-related subjects, such as reading language arts and writing instruction
• Use of a wide range of instructional technologies in teaching across multiple formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online
• Prepare a diverse, first-generation, non-traditional student body to teach in Houston’s urban centers and surrounding districts
• Supervise pre-service teachers in a variety of instructional environments, including field-based placements and UHD’s multiple campus locations
• Build and sustain a commitment to scholarly work in the English language arts and reading, children’s literacy, and related topics through conference presentations, publishing, and grant writing
• Serve actively on committees at the department, college, and university levels as appropriate to rank
• Lead and support efforts related to the literacy program, accreditation, program evaluations, and securing grant funding
• Build and sustain school/university partnerships to advance the mission of the Urban Education Teacher Education Program

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) in literacy or a closely related field; ABD candidates may be considered if degree will be conferred prior to hiring date
• Demonstrated expertise in teaching the Science of Teaching Reading as a foundational component of reading for grades EC-6
• Experience with literacy curriculum design and implementation to support reading and writing development, instruction, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years' experience teaching literacy in grades EC-6
• Experience teaching field-based K-6 literacy methods courses at the university level
• Strong background teaching in/working with one or more of the following: non-traditional students, multilingual communities, and/or urban centers
• Experience supporting multilingual students in their language and literacy development
• Ability to engage students with current trends in the field, such as censorship of children’s literature, home literacy practices, technology use in literacy development, etc
• Experience building and supporting school, university, and community partnerships
• Awareness of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards for literacy instruction
• Current teaching certifications in relevant grades and/or subject areas

Inquiries can be addressed to the search chair, Dr. Natasha Perez (perezn@uhd.edu).

For more information about the Department of Urban Education at UHD, please visit our website www.uhd.edu/urbaned.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are an Equal Opportunity Institution.