Temporary Assistant Professor

Overview

The Department of Theatre Arts in the College of Arts & Sciences at Utah State University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Temporary Assistant Professor of Theatre Education & Theatre Arts for the 2026-27 academic year. This is a benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track position with a start date of August 15, 2026. Renewal may be possible based on performance, departmental needs, and funding.

The ideal candidate will have a strong record of teaching within a K-12 curriculum (or extensive, related experiences teaching these age groups), experience teaching in a university setting, a background in applied theatre, and demonstrate a commitment to mentoring and student success.

This position may be appointed as Temporary Instructor or Temporary Assistant Professor depending on terminal degree and experience. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026 and will close on July 1, 2026.

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

* Teaching load is 4/4 and may include courses such as:

* Applied Theatre

* Drama in the Community

* Play Script Analysis

* Clinical Experience in Teaching

* Student Teaching Supervision

* Other areas as appropriate to department needs

* Supervise student teaching and clinical field experiences, including regular contact with both the students and the mentor teachers.

* Participate in the annual portfolio review of BFA Theatre Education students.

* Mentor undergraduate student projects and grants (research, creative, and/or pedagogical).

* Participate in recruitment and retention activities, including attending recruiting events in and/or out of state.

* Serve on department, college, and university committees.

* Head the BA Theatre Arts Program and the Theatre Arts Minor, which includes monthly cohort meetings and registration advising.

* Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for Appointment at the Temporary Assistant Professor rank:

* Terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in theatre education, theatre for youth, or theatre with substantial K-12 education background/experience.

* At least 1 year of teaching experience at the university level.

* Experience teaching theatre with students grades K-12, preferably in public or private schools.

* Demonstrated ability to teach applied theatre.

* Ability to travel locally/regionally to supervise pre-service student teachers.

Minimum Qualifications for Appointment at the Temporary Instructor rank:

* MA degree in theatre education, theatre for youth, or theatre with substantial K-12 education background/experience and All But Dissertation (ABD) will be appointed at the Temporary Instructor rank, with advancement to Temporary Assistant Professor contingent upon completion of the doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

* PhD in theatre.

* 2 or more years of teaching experience at the university level.

* Demonstrated passion and dedication to student success.

* Valid teacher certification/licensure in theatre (K-12) and working knowledge of state licensing requirements, curriculum standards, and resources.

* Experience supervising and providing evidence-based, constructive feedback to pre-service student teachers.

* Experience advising/mentoring undergraduate students, especially original undergraduate research, creative projects, and educational initiatives.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV". Unofficial transcripts of academic work to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10". Official transcripts will be required before hiring. Names and contact information of three professional references to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile.

Please include their name, title/institution, phone number, and email address (we will contact your references if you are a finalist for the position). Cover Letter (no more than three pages, addressing how you fit the minimum and preferred qualifications) to be typed/pasted at the end of your application. Statement of teaching philosophy to be typed/pasted at the end of your application.

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges.

Dedicated to…