Assistant Professor in Practice in Early Childhood

Assistant Professor in Practice in Early Childhood

Office

Location:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Drive, Human Resources, MASS Building 2nd Floor, Edinburg, TX 78539.

Contact:
Dr. Steve Chamberlain, steve.chamberlain.

Request:
Assistant Professor in Practice (non‑tenure track) for the Early Care and Early Childhood Education Programs (2025‑2026). 3‑year appointment, 1.0 FTE, at Edinburg, Texas. UTRGV is a distributed institution; the position may include presence at multiple campuses.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood education, including foundations, infant & toddler development, play & learning, science & math methods, language & literacy, creative arts, child guidance, and supervision of practicum students.
• Recruit, advise, mentor students; serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Engage in grant writing activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to student success and to advancing the university, college, and program missions.

• Earned doctorate in early childhood education, child development or a closely related field from an accredited institution (or ABD with completion by September 1, 2026).
• Knowledge of the Head Start Standards and multiple early childhood systems such as Head Start, public/pre‑private early childhood centers, preschools, and primary education programs.
• Strong understanding of developmentally‑appropriate practices and diverse, multilingual learners.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering academic achievement and a collaborative, collegial environment.
• Experience supervising practicum students.

• Experience teaching at the Early Childhood and Early Elementary levels.
• Valid early childhood certification or state‑equivalent certification.
• Knowledge of the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of the Texas Pre‑K Guidelines and TEKS.

No.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

09/01/2026.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley promotes equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or protected veteran status. In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University complies with all government requirements and ensures non‑discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment.

Women, minorities and differently abled persons are encouraged to apply.

Complete all sections of the application. All biographical information, including address, email, and phone number, is required on first submission and may be updated later. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval. A criminal background check (CBC) is required for all candidates invited to an on‑campus interview.

The position is security sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215. It is a teaching position for teaching of more than 20 hours per week, with optional teacher retirement selection as described.

Open Date: 12/04/2025
Close Date: 01/31/2026.