JOBS AT EIU

Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education

The Eastern Illinois University Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations seeks a tenure-track faculty member who specializes in early childhood (birth – age 8) with an emphasis on literacy. This faculty member would teach courses in our Early Childhood Education Program. Courses could include Developmental Reading in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Curriculum, Methods, and Assessment in the Primary Grades (K-2). Candidates for this position will also serve as the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Coordinator for the department and work with the ECACE Mentor to provide high-quality services to our students served by this program.

The candidate may be expected to evaluate students in field experiences and foster professional relationships with our partners in local area schools. Successful candidates will need to be committed to providing current and future educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the challenges of 21st-century classrooms. Candidates must know current state and national standards that impact early childhood education, understand educational theories and best pedagogical practices in early childhood education, be familiar with educational technology, demonstrate a history of collegiality with fellow faculty members and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and demonstrate professional written and oral communication skills.

Teaching assignments may include undergraduate &/or graduate-level courses utilizing online, on-campus, or hybrid formats. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to lead departmental recruitment efforts to continue to build the early childhood program.

Start Date: August 16, 2025

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The University provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. As a regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and has earned recognition as the highest-ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois—a charming town within a two- to three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

QUALIFICATIONS
The educational/experience requirements for this position are as follows: 

Required:

• Doctorate from an accredited university in early childhood education or closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience working with children birth – age 8.
• Experience teaching reading/literacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and experience promoting inclusive excellence.

Preferred:

• Experience teaching at the college/university level.
• Experience supervising and evaluating preservice teachers in field placements and developing and maintaining partnerships with schools.
• Experience teaching online.

Salary/Pay Rate

The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage at $56,403-$62,000.

Benefits Overview

Eastern Illinois University offers an excellent benefit package designed to support our employees’ well-being and career goals.  

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance:  Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

 
For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.

 
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants must submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of Application
• Full contact information for 4 professional references (names, titles, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, preferred pronouns, and your affiliation with each reference).
• Unofficial transcript (official transcript required prior to employment)

Please submit application and materials via Interfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/162541. For further questions regarding this position, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Alexis L. Jones at aljones16@eiu.edu.

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community.