Adjunct Instructor- Early Childhood Education

University of West Alabama:
Academic Affairs:
College of

Education:

Department of Teaching and Learning Location

University of West Alabama

Aug 03, 2026

The Early Childhood Education Adjunct Instructor provides high-quality instruction in undergraduate and/or graduate early childhood education courses on a part-time, term-by-term basis. The instructor prepares teacher candidates to design and implement developmentally appropriate, evidence-based learning experiences that support the cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development of young children from birth through age eight. Responsibilities include delivering course content, engaging students in meaningful learning experiences, assessing student performance, and maintaining high academic standards consistent with departmental and institutional expectations.

• Teach assigned undergraduate and/or graduate early childhood education courses in accordance with approved curriculum and program learning outcomes.
• Prepare teacher candidates to implement developmentally appropriate practices that support the learning and development of young children from birth through age eight.
• Integrate current research, developmentally appropriate practices, and state and national early childhood standards into course instruction.
• Develop and/or update course materials, including syllabi, assignments, assessments, and instructional resources.
• Deliver instruction through face-to-face, hybrid, synchronous online, and asynchronous online modalities, as assigned.
• Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and other required documentation.
• Communicate effectively with students regarding course expectations, academic progress, and professional responsibilities.
• Maintain scheduled office hours or be available to students as appropriate for the course format.
• Adhere to institutional policies, accreditation standards, academic expectations, and departmental deadlines.
• Participate in departmental meetings, professional development, and faculty training as requested and appropriate for adjunct faculty.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of successful professional experience in early childhood education serving children from birth through age eight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, play-based learning, curriculum development, authentic assessment, and family engagement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current research and evidence-based instructional practices in early childhood education.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to teach using Blackboard Ultra or another learning management system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate early childhood education courses.
• Experience supervising teacher candidates during clinical or field experiences.
• Experience designing and teaching online courses.
• Experience in university-school partnerships, laboratory schools, or other early childhood settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning in early childhood education research and practice.
• Experience integrating instructional technology into higher education coursework.
• Adjunct appointments are part-time and contingent upon enrollment, funding, and departmental needs.
• Compensation is determined on a per-course basis.
• Adjunct faculty are not eligible for benefits unless otherwise specified by institutional policy.

Additional Information

Adjunct faculty are expected to uphold the institution's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and inclusive learning environments while preparing teacher candidates to provide effective, evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.