Assistant/Associate Professor, Literacy Education

The department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is pleased to announce a tenure-track position in Literacy Education. The department is seeking an assistant or associate professor to build on existing strengths in the area of reading and literacy and serve as director of the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic, a teaching, outreach and research center. We seek collegial faculty who embrace NIUs mission of providing opportunity to a diverse student body by providing them with access to high quality experiential education and involvement in research and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in reading and literacy; 
  • Maintain a record of scholarly publications and presentations; 
  • Direct doctoral dissertations; 
  • Develop and teach academic programs in both campus and off-campus environments, face-to-face and online; 
  • Serve as needed on program, departmental, college or university committees; 
  • Assist in report writing and accreditation reporting. 

Required Qualifications:

For Assistant Professor;

Earned doctorate with an emphasis in reading literacy.

For Associate Professor;

Earned doctorate with an emphasis in reading literacy and at least five years as an assistant professor or equivalent. Evidence of a productive research agenda (including grant writing, service and successful teaching commensurate with Northern Illinois standards for tenure).

 For both positions; 

  • Knowledge of theory, research, and best practice associated with literacy leadership
  • Ability to teach a variety of courses for reading/literacy including methods and materials, assessment, and coaching;
  • At least three years of PK-12 school teaching experience; 
  • A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Experience working with students and colleagues from multicultural backgrounds;
  • A record of successful research and publication or strong evidence of potential; and
  • Experience with delivering courses online and use of new technologies in reading and literacy.
  • Experience working with students and colleagues from multicultural backgrounds;
  • A strong commitment to advancing social justice.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in developing, securing, and administering grant funded programs;
  • Experience/ability to write SPA/accreditation reports;
  • A demonstrated record of membership and participation in relevant professional organizations;
  • The ability to bring innovative strategies to our reading/literacy programs.

This position is expected to be filled at the assistant or associate rank – applicants will be evaluated as appropriate for level of experience.

Application Information: 

Submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, the names and contact information of five professional references, and transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) through the NIU Human Resource Services’ online job application system (seehttp://employment.niu.edu/postings/49129 ). Review of complete applications will begin December 1, 2019; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory criminal background check. 

Northern Illinois University is a comprehensive university enrolling approximately nearly 17,000 students and serves a region rich with diverse populations. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers certificates, endorsements, bachelors, master’s and doctoral degrees. For additional information about this department please see https://www.cedu.niu.edu/c-and-i/index.shtml or contact Department Chair Sally Blake (sblake1@niu.edu).    

EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. NIU is an AA/EEO Institution.