Teaching Assistant Professor - Elementary Education

Teaching Assistant Professor - Elementary Education (Emphasis in Social Studies)

Description

West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor position in its Elementary Education program, beginning in August 2026. This faculty position is housed in the School of Education and Counseling within the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. This faculty member will provide expertise and support in the Elementary Education program, through teaching and service responsibilities, in two core areas-(1) preparing teacher candidates in content and pedagogy related to the teaching and learning of social studies in the K-6 grades, and (2) support strong partnerships and practice among teacher candidates and mentor teachers in field and clinical experiences.

Appointment

The position appointment will be based at WVU's Morgantown campus with a nine-month faculty appointment, beginning August 15, 2026. Summer teaching opportunities may be available based on course demand. Teaching positions at WVU are full-time, non-tenure track, with no research component.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly qualified individual who will contribute to the mission of the institution by working with faculty, learners, and community partners in a dynamic and collaborative environment. As a teaching-track faculty member, the successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in the Elementary Education B.A. program, with a particular focus on social studies content and methods courses for elementary teacher candidates
• Develop and deliver engaging, evidence-based instruction that prepares future teachers to create high-quality social studies learning experiences for all K-6 learners
• Coordinate and supervise field placements and clinical experiences, building and maintaining strong partnerships with K-6 schools and mentor teachers throughout the region
• Provide mentorship and guidance to teacher candidates during their practicum and student teaching experiences, including conducting observations and providing constructive feedback
• Contribute to program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement efforts
• Provide service to the school, college, university, and profession through committee work, professional organizations, and community engagement

The successful candidate will have opportunities to shape curriculum, develop innovative teaching approaches, and help prepare the next generation of elementary educators who will inspire young learners to become informed, engaged citizens.

Minimum qualifications require:

• An earned doctorate in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Social Studies Education, or a closely related field (ABD candidates may be considered with completion of the doctorate expected by August 15, 2026)
• Successful K-12 teaching experience, with preference for experience in K-6 classrooms
• Demonstrated expertise in elementary social studies education, including knowledge of state and national social studies standards
• Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal, and organizational skills

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience teaching at the college/university level, particularly in elementary education teacher preparation programs
• Experience coordinating or supervising field placements and clinical experiences in teacher education
• Familiarity with teacher education accreditation standards (e.g., CAEP, state program approval)
• Active engagement in professional organizations related to elementary education and/or social studies teacher education (e.g., NCSS, CUFA, state education associations)
• Experience with online and hybrid course delivery
• Record of effective collaboration with P-12 schools and educational partners
• Valid or eligible for a West Virginia teaching certificate or professional educator license

Application Materials

To apply, candidates must upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for four professional references (names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) to WVUHire at https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. The screening of applications will begin on February 15, 2026. Only complete applications will be considered further.

Direct specific application questions to: Dr. Johnna Bolyard, Search Committee Chair, School of Education and Counseling, PO Box 6122, Morgantown, WV 26506-6122, E-Mail: johnna.bolyard@mail.wvu.edu.

Program, College, and University Information

The Elementary Education program at West Virginia University prepares compassionate, competent, and reflective teachers who are ready to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Our B.A. in Elementary Education emphasizes hands-on learning, strong preparation in the content areas, engaging field experiences, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. With a dedicated faculty who value mentorship and innovation, our program combines rigorous academic preparation with meaningful classroom experiences, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to inspire and educate the next generation of West Virginians and beyond.

The program is housed in the School of Education and Counseling, which is one of two Schools in WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences (CAHS). CAHS is dedicated to preparing students for careers that help to vastly improve the quality of life for others through world-class faculty, innovative research, and relevant and engaged curriculum. As part of West Virginia's flagship institution, the College conducts research that advances knowledge and contributes to discussion and action surrounding issues impacting West Virginians and beyond. Our academic programs are designed to meet the evolving demands of today's world, translating scholarly work into practical applications for educators, counselors, clinicians, and others in human performance and improvement fields. You can learn more about CAHS at https://appliedhumansciences.wvu.edu/.

West Virginia University is the flagship, land-grant institution of higher education in the state of West Virginia and one of the 46 institutions nationwide defined as both a land-grant institution and a Carnegie-classified R1 (Highest Research Activity) institution. The university is also a Carnegie classified Community Engagement institution. Ranked among the top 100 public universities, WVU offers over 190 degree programs to approximately 31,000 students through its 15 colleges and schools. The city of Morgantown has 55,000 residents with affordable housing, excellent schools, family orientated community, a picturesque countryside and many outdoor activities. Morgantown has been ranked as the #1 Small City in America," the "Best Small City in the East," and the "3rd Best Small Town" in the nation. The immediate region has a diverse population of approximately 350,000 residents. Morgantown is also within easy traveling distance of several larger metropolitan and cultural centers, including Pittsburgh, PA, Washington DC, Baltimore, MD, and Columbus, OH.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.