Visiting Instructor or Professor of Education and Child Development

Visiting Instructor/Assistant Professor, Education and Child Development Department

Location:

Columbia, MO

Type:
Academic Term:
Full-time, Fall 2026

Pay: $55,000 - $60,000

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Description:

The Education Department invites applications for a full-time Visiting Professor of Education and Child Development for the  Academic Year. The appointment begins in August 2026. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in child development, educational psychology, early childhood curriculum and instruction, and assessment. Teaching and some service work will be required. Specific courses may include Integrated Curriculum for Young Children, Teaching Reading and Language Arts to Young Children, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Assessment, and Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition.

Columbia College is known for its small class sizes, which enrich teaching and mentoring experiences. The successful candidate will join faculty and staff committed to innovative, student-centered pedagogy at an arts and sciences teaching institution located in Columbia, MO, one of America's most livable small cities. The Department of Education currently has four other full-time faculty. This position will support students pursuing degrees in teacher certification and child development.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include a Master's Degree in a relevant field. Prior higher education teaching experience is preferred. PhD, EdS, or EdD preferred. The position requires an ability to effectively teach undergraduate courses, a commitment to student-centered learning, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a willingness to use various instructional technologies.

Required Application Materials:

• completed Columbia College application
• cover letter, including the names and contact information for three professional references
• curriculum vitae
• teaching philosophy
• copies of transcripts (official transcripts are required before employment)

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Other Requirements:
Ability to satisfy, within the parameters set by the College and consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Special Requirements (if any):
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department without delay. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, talk, and hear.

The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Employee must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a regular basis.

Work Conditions:
The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.