Position Title:
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies
Compensation:
$70,000 - $75,000
Department:
Early Chldhd Youth & Fam Studies
Start Date:
08/16/2027
About this opportunity:
The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies welcomes application for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education to begin August 16, 2027. We offer programs in Early Childhood Education, Early Care, Early Intervention, Child Life, and Family Studies, and have a laboratory school for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, in partnership with the YMCA.
The successful candidate will be interested in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in our Early Childhood Education, Transition to Teaching, Graduate Certificates, programs; have a research agenda that will complement current interests in the department and that can involve both undergraduate and graduate students; contribute to the service activities of the department and discipline; and have an on-campus presence. While applicants from any area of early childhood education or related fields are welcome to apply, strong consideration will be given to applicants who have a specialization in integrated early childhood pedagogy, policy/advocacy/social justice, and community engagement.
Ball State University lives the values of Beneficence. These attributes include commitments to collaborative discourse, interdisciplinary inquiry, and enterprising learning practices. Our faculty are collegial, collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and adaptive, both within and beyond one’s home unit. They are strategic thinkers, engaging our dynamic communities. We are committed to student and faculty success, impact, and access within an environment that fosters excellence, achievement, and opportunity. We inspire one another to be critical thinkers and responsible citizens, so that we can pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We invite you to be part of our community.
Employer will consider sponsorship.
What you'll do and what you will bring:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in one or more of the following areas: early childhood curriculum, prosocial development, culture and language in teaching and learning, family relationships, wellness, health and safety, leadership and administration, kindergarten education, teaching in the kindergarten/primary grades, Transition to Teaching, and other content areas related to children and teacher preparation. The standard assigned teaching load is 3 courses in the fall and spring, with opportunities to teach in the summer. Courses may be face-to-face, online, and/or blended. Candidates should have background, knowledge, and skills primarily in the area of early childhood education and the ability to work cooperatively with faculty and staff to foster curriculum implementation, assessment, and improvement.
- Develop and/or maintain an active research agenda, which includes publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at professional conferences, seeking funding to support scholarship, and creating opportunities for our students to be involved in the research process.
- Actively contribute to the missions and strategic initiatives of the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies, Teachers College, and Ball State University through involvement with professional associations and activities at the local, regional, and national levels.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field by date of appointment
- Eligible for, holds, or has held a teaching license
- At least 3 years / 6 academic semesters (approx. 24 months) of experience teaching in an early learning environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Content specialization in one or more of the following areas: integrated early childhood pedagogy, policy/advocacy/social justice, and/or community engagement
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional conferences in applicant's area of specialization
- Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively with various learners, families, colleagues, and communities.
- At least one academic semester (approx. 4 months) of experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in multiple modalities (e.g., face-to-face, online, blended)
- At least one academic semester (approx. 4 months) of experience coordinating clinical experiences, developing site partnerships, and supervising and mentoring students, within the parameters of regulatory and policy frameworks shaping early learning environments
- Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor all students, leveraging various backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives as asset-based tools for collective learning
How to apply:
For inquiries about this opportunity, please contact:
Dr. Seongmi Lim, slim@bsu.edu
Important: Please follow upload instructions for attaching all required documents listed below. Only complete applications will be considered.
REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:
- Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Within the application, please provide names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
- Note: Additional application materials may be requested later in the search process
This position will remain open until filled, with a consideration date of December 7, 2026, 12:01 a.m. Candidates submitting application materials on or before this date will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
What we offer:
At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.
When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.
Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.
Curious about our excellent benefits package?
We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.
Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.
Relocation Program: MakeMyMove
Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.
Through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.
Current benefits for eligible participants may include:
- Up to $5,000 cash for relocation
- Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
- Access to the Ball State University Library
- One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
- Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
- Help desk for connecting to local resources
- Opportunity for board participation
- Six-month YMCA membership
Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.
Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.
Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove.
