Job Description

Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Science Education
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Education
Department: School of Teaching and Learning
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The School of Teaching and Learning invites applications for one nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning August 16, 2027. We seek qualified candidates specializing in Science Education.

Responsibilities include scholarly research/publishing, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The primary teaching assignment will be teaching undergraduate science education courses in the School of Teaching and Learning with the potential to teach graduate courses. The faculty in the School of Teaching and Learning maintain consistent records of high-quality scholarship. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours per semester. The individual in this position is thus expected to teach 3 courses each semester in the School of Teaching and Learning.

The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the School of Teaching and Learning. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/.

Additional Information

The School of Teaching and Learning is housed within the College of Education at Illinois State University. The School has built a strong reputation for scholarly work in the field of PK-12 science education including in nature of science, engineering, and STEM. The School of Teaching and Learning houses three teacher preparation programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Middle Level Education. Faculty have opportunities to work in collaborative partnerships with public and Illinois State University Laboratory School professionals. For more information about our program visit: https://education.illinoisstate.edu/about/departments/tch/

Illinois State University: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,500 students in the seven colleges of Illinois State University. The University is the largest producer of teachers among all public universities in the United States (Title II, 2025) and is ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Education Schools in US News & World Report (2026). In our most recent strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024–2030, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our University being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. View the University’s metrics of excellence at: https://strategicplan.illinoisstate.edu/.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit: http://visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Assistant Professor $76,716-$85,068 Associate Professor $84,744-$102,681

Required Qualifications

1. Terminal degree in Science Education or related field. An ABD with a completion date prior to faculty appointment will also be considered.
2. Minimum of 3 academic years teaching experience, including science instruction, in K-8th grade.
3. Demonstrated potential for scholarly research at Assistant Professor rank or an established record of scholarly research at Associate Professor rank.
4. Be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

1) Letter of application
2) Teaching philosophy statement (2-page maximum)
3) Research agenda statement (2-page maximum)
4) Curriculum vitae
5) The names and contact details of 3 references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin October 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Francess Harris
fharris@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.