Assistant Professor - Secondary Social Studies Education

at  University of Nebraska

The Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (TLTE) in the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks to promote social equity, democracy, and ambitious secondary social studies teacher preparation. We are seeking a tenure-track assistant professor who can help prepare effective educators, collaborate with colleagues in the department as well as social studies disciplines, foster relationships with schools and classroom teachers, and attract increased interest and funding to the nationally visible programs in social studies education at UNL. The position will begin Fall 2025.
Our new colleague will be joining a dynamic and committed community of scholars in TLTE and a collaborative faculty group in secondary education. The secondary education teacher preparation program graduates 60-90 teacher candidates per year and benefits from multiple longstanding partnerships with departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our accelerated Master of Arts in Social Studies Education program aims to prepare high-quality secondary social studies teachers while strengthening teacher induction and retention. We anticipate expanding our faculty in secondary education not only to prepare students for initial teacher certification, but also to provide professional learning at the graduate level and expand opportunities for funded research and scholarship (http://go.unl.edu/yourfuture).
UNL is the University of Nebraska system’s flagship university and a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. TLTE is recognized across UNL for distinguished teaching, strong collaborations with exceptional partner schools and has a reputation for scholarship that embraces diverse research methodologies. The candidate who fills this position will teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students in social studies education. TLTE seeks a colleague who possesses the understanding, commitment, and ability to contribute collaboratively to a robust secondary education program and social studies education in the context of continuing demographic change in the state and nation.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in social studies pedagogy, work with professional practicum students and student teachers, teach graduate courses in areas of expertise, mentor and advise graduate students, build relationships with public schools and university-based colleagues, and participate/contribute to TLTE’s mission “to expand expertise on teaching and learning through informed practice, engaged research, and purposeful collaboration.”
The College of Education and Human Sciences respects people, ideas, voices, and perspectives. Diversity strengthens our ability to problem solve and build more equitable and inclusive solutions for complex challenges. At UNL, we strive for excellence in all that we do. True excellence requires that every individual be able to work and learn in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and acceptance. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion requires each of us to continuously ensure our interactions be respectful, protect free speech, and inspire academic freedom.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in social studies education, curriculum & instruction, teacher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in the teaching of social studies in higher education.
• A minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience in secondary social studies education.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity-oriented, culturally responsive/sustaining, and/or antiracist teaching frameworks.
• A clear research agenda anchored in K-12 social studies education and/or social studies teacher education that is commensurate with expectations of a research-intensive institution.
• Evidence of professional and institutional service in K-12 and/or higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research expertise in one or more of the following:
• issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• approaches to social studies education in current political and social contexts.
• rural education.
• critical, interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches to social studies education.
• Experience teaching courses in a variety of formats (e.g., in person, online, hybrid, site-based).
• Participation in funded projects (particularly in seeking and/or securing external funding).
• Demonstrated success working with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience in interdisciplinary program/course development.

Posted Salary
How to Apply

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching statement.
• Research statement.
• Two examples of scholarly work.
• Transcripts or unofficial copies of transcripts from the doctoral program (official copies of transcripts will be required at time of offer).
• Contact information for three professional references who may be contacted and/or asked to provide letters of recommendation

Please combine the statements and transcripts (items 3, 4, 5, and 6) into a single document and attach as “Other Document.”
For additional questions, please contact Dr. Mardi Schmeichel, Search Committee Chair, at mardi@unl.edu

Please refer the Job description for details