Assistant Professor of Practice in Science Teacher Education

46215BR

Position Description:

The teacher education department in the College of Education at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Assistant Professor of Practice in Science Teacher Education to begin from Jan 11th, 2027. This position serves as a collaborator with the Science Faculty Anchor to support course refinement based on changing state and national policies, assist with instructor coordination, engage in science program-based research, and partnership activities with schools and the underserved West Texas community. The teaching load for this position is 4/4, i.e., four courses per semester.

All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/workattexastech/) to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.

About the University:

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the College:

The College of Education (COE) at Texas Tech University (TTU) aspires to be a national leader in both the preparation of educators and the dissemination of educational research. A state-of-the-art teacher education program and first-rate graduate and professional programs including engaged scholarship opportunities to guide the College’s pursuit of excellence. Additionally, collaboration with the greater community drives our College vision and mission.

Our Mission: Through investing in a dynamic student body, the COE promotes excellence in educator and professional preparation to meet the real-world challenges of our day. We disseminate research focused on improving educational outcomes. We are committed to engagement with partners through mutual collaboration, innovation and improvement.

About the Department/School/Area:

The teacher education department in the College of Education has an innovative teacher preparation program that meets the unique needs of all our students. In collaboration with school districts and community college partners across Texas, TechTeach, our clinically intensive, competency-based program, is preparing educators who are ready to impact students on their first day in the classroom.

Major/Essential Functions:

At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.

In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

Primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate science education courses, designing and refining curriculum, contributing to program development, and supporting initiatives that expand access to and interest in science education. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, broadening participation, and producing effective teachers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to the design, development, and continuous enhancement of curriculum, informed by data, assessment outcomes, and best practices in teacher education.

2. Engaged in ongoing program evaluation and scholarly or applied research related to science teacher education to strengthen and advance the department’s science program.

3. Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance the mission of the Department of Teacher Education, ensuring strong sustained connection between theory and practice.

4. Support strategic initiatives to increase enrollment

The Assistant Professor of Practice will work closely with the Department Chair, TED Faculty Anchors, Professional Development Facilitators, Site Coordinators, and Lecturers to strengthen the undergraduate science education program and ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals.

Organization:

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications:

1. A conferred doctorate in education by September 1, 2026 from a major accredited university.

2. At least 3 years of Grades 6-12 science teaching experience as a teacher of record in the U.S. public school settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Strong disciplinary content knowledge in one or more science fields, as evidenced by substantial undergraduate or graduate coursework, a degree or academic concentration in a science discipline, or Grade 6-12 science teaching credentials.

• Experience in science teacher preparation, such as designing and/or teaching instructional methods or content courses for science teacher candidates and coordinating field teaching practica.

• Substantial experience supporting K-12 science education activities such as mentoring novice science teachers through residency, coaching, or professional development programs.

• Conducting outreach and participating in partnerships with schools, districts, and/or community organizations.

• Experience in using student data to evaluate instructional effectiveness, educational innovation, and/or research outcomes.

• Evidence of research experience in science/STEM education, such as conducting empirical research, presenting at national or international research conferences or authoring peer-reviewed publications.

• Documented experience serving as a department chair, science coordinator, instructional coach, curriculum leader, district science curriculum specialist, or curriculum coordinator in a K-12 setting.

Duty Point:

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information:

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?:

No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Other document(s) directly related to required qualifications

4. List of references

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Jianlan Wang, Search Committee Chair at [email protected]

Job Type:

Full Time

Pay Basis:

Monthly

Pay Statement:

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required:

None

Grant Funded?:

No

Job Group:

NonTenure track

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade:

800

Applications must be received by:

10/30/2026