Assistant Professor - Elementary Education

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure curriculum and instruction meets the standards for teacher licensure as outlined by the Kansas State Department of Education
• Ensure all curriculum and instruction for literacy courses taught are grounded in Structured Literacy
• Faculty member will be involved with the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and ensure elementary education programs are aligned with the blueprint.
• Faculty member will have an expectation of Teaching, Scholarship, and Service as outlined by the Department and College Tenure and Promotion documents.
• Deliver assigned courses through in-person instruction on campus unless otherwise directed by Pittsburg State University.
• Maintain regular on-campus office hours in line with Pittsburg State University and department guidelines.

Education and Experience

• Required Education and Experience – Time of Hire
• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by August of 2026 in education, reading, or a similar field.
• Teaching certification in an area of education
• Minimum of three years of full-time public-school teaching experience in the United States
• Experience utilizing evidence-based approaches in classroom and intervention settings with struggling students and teachers.

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in reading, literacy education or related field. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

• Preferred Education and Experience –
• Earned Doctorate degree or ABD from a regionally accredited institution by August of 2026 in education, reading, or a similar field.
• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience including working with diverse student populations, teaching a variety of content areas, and conducting a variety of assessments
• 1 year or more University teaching experience, preferably at the undergraduate level
• Commitment to collaboration
• Evidence of teaching excellence, both in-person and online
• Interest and/or experience in teacher preparation

Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure Earning

Screening Services (Background Checks)

Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Position Start Date: August 10, 2026

Application Documents Required*

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vita
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Names and contact information (address, email and phone) of three references.
• Unofficial Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts

*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload.

First Consideration Date: June 29, 2026

Search Committee Chair

Dr. Bridgette Fincher (bfincher@pittstate.edu [bfincher@pittstate.edu])

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Department of Teaching and Leadership serves 305 undergraduate majors and 314 graduate students. Excellence in teaching is emphasized. Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive regional university with an enrollment of 5,200 students and is in the city of Pittsburg, Kansas (approximate population of 20,000; www.pittks.org).

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State’s 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.

Pitt State’s hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you’ll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.