Position

The Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Iowa invites applications for one academic-year tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor in the Social Studies program. The position will begin August 19, 2026.

Description 

We seek individuals with evidence of significant professional promise or accomplishment in research that impacts Social Studies Education. The successful applicant will be expected to maintain a robust program of scholarship, teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Social Studies Education, and advise MA and PhD students in the Social Studies Education and Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Education PhD program. We seek applicants who actively engage with faculty, staff, students, and the community to foster education that prioritizes access, opportunity, and belonging for all those involved in the growth and development of students.

Responsibilities 

Major responsibilities include: conducting an active program of research and building a scholarly research agenda in education; designing and teaching undergraduate/graduate courses in teacher education in the Department of Teaching and Learning; and advising both Social Studies Education MA and PhD students in Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Education (LLSSE). In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to pursue and secure external funding; contribute to national and international scholarship; be involved with local, state, and national activities that support the practice of Social Studies Education; and participate in service to the program, department, college, and university. Faculty are required to engage in at least 4 hours per semester of collaboration with teachers in contributing to instruction in K12 classrooms.

Salary 

Highly competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent start-up package, benefits, and research support.

Appointment 

Academic year (9 month) tenure-track appointment beginning August 19, 2026. 

Applications

To apply, please submit the following materials: cover letter addressing all qualifications noted above; curriculum vitae; sample of scholarly writing; graduate college transcripts; and contact information for three professional references.

Address inquiries or nominations to Dr. Maia Sheppard (maia-sheppard@uiowa.edu) and Dr. Pamela Wesely (pamela-wesely@uiowa.edu). 

Screening 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

Additional Information 

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation, including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment, and provide a related release. Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background and credential check. 

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services at (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. 

The unit will not fund the $100,000 payment associated with new H-1B sponsorship, either upon hire or during international travel.

Why Join Us? 

At the University of Iowa, you’ll thrive in a collaborative, welcoming, and intellectually rich environment. As a Big Ten, R1 institution, we offer the resources of a major university with the personal connections of a close-knit academic community. Our faculty are supported at every stage of their careers through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Located in Iowa City, one of the most livable cities in America, you’ll enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, top-rated schools, and a welcoming community that values creativity, innovation, and work-life integration. Learn more about this community and resources at WorkLife at Iowa. 

About the Department and Social Studies Education

The Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Iowa includes over 46 faculty members and 880 students. It includes undergraduate teacher education program areas as well as MAT/MS/MA and PhD graduate programs. The Social Studies Education program features carefully designed practicum experiences in schools, where students have the opportunity to tutor, coach, and teach in classrooms. Students study literature, writing, drama, digital media, and other contemporary topics through classes taken from the world-renowned English department as well as coursework in pedagogy and literacy. Our Teacher Education Program values school partnerships and extensive support of students throughout their development as educators. For example, UI hosts a local chapter of Aspiring Educators as well as a variety of opportunities to study and student teach abroad. The LLSSE Ph.D. program brings together interdisciplinary scholarly traditions and contemporary theory in Literacy and Cultural Studies, Multilingual Education and Applied Linguistics, and Social Studies and Global Education

About the College

Recognized as the State of Iowa’s top College of Education, we offer more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including licensure, endorsement, and certificate programs, many of which are regularly ranked among the best in the nation.  Students study with our world-renowned faculty who are the leaders in their fields.  Our college is comprised of four departments: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, Counselor Education, and Teaching and Learning.  The College houses several Centers that support work in critical areas of education, including UI REACH, Iowa Reading Research Center, Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, and the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. The College is guided by a Strategic Plan which defines our mission and the vision and values that bolster it.

Prospective candidates must have earned a doctorate in Social Studies Education or a related discipline by August 1, 2026.

(1) Evidence of scholarly productivity or promise of scholarly productivity (rank dependent); (2) experience in Social Studies Education instruction; and (3) successful experience teaching in K-12 settings.

(1) Evidence of excellent teaching skills at the undergraduate and/or graduate level; (2) experience in teaching, supervising, or administration in a teacher education program (3) licensure (or eligibility for licensure) in Social Studies Education at the secondary level; (4) a record of securing external funds for research, training, and program development; (5) interest in building partnerships across campus and with local schools and communities; and (6) experience contributing to a welcoming and respectful academic environment.