Extension Instructor or Extension Educator - Early Childhood; Dawson

Extension Instructor Or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

This position is based in Lexington, NE with the geographic accountability region of Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Perkins and Keith Counties. Focused on young children and their caregivers (e.g., parents, early childhood teachers), this position will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the home unit and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as an effective scholar and citizen.

The primary responsibility for this position is to develop and deliver high quality, innovative educational programs and resources as an active participant in the work of the Early Childhood team and may be active in a statewide issue team that addresses current issues facing Nebraska. This position is expected to interact closely with parents, teachers, early childhood professionals, and caregivers of young children in their geographic area and possibly statewide based on the current projects and goals of the Early Childhood team.

Nebraska Extension's Early Childhood team supports adults who play a role in young children's lives by providing educational programming and resources about early child development and early care and education. Adults play a significant role in setting the stage for young children's lifelong learning, discovery, and success. The Early Childhood team is committed to empowering these adults to support and provide effective learning experiences for Nebraska's young children.

Such early learning experiences enhance children's readiness (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional) for school and setting them up for lifelong success.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate's level of education. Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an educator position, a full-time, promo table, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promo table, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment.

If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the Nebraska benefits package, UNL offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master's degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

Minimum required qualifications:

Master's degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field (extension educator); OR bachelor's degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period.

Demonstrated ability to communicate information (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences. Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal education setting (i.e., preschool, K-12).

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs. Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities. Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities. Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers (e.g., providers and teachers). Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (written and verbal).