Visiting Professor of Educational Foundations - College of Education and Community Innovation, The Literacy, Educational Foundations, and Technology (LEFT) Department (One-Year Appointment)

The Literacy, Educational Foundations, and Technology (LEFT) Department in the College of Education and Community Innovation at GVSU invites applications for a one-year Visiting Professor of Educational Foundations position, beginning August 2026. Candidates should have a strong background in Educational Foundations, Social Foundations, or Educational Studies, and must hold at least a master’s degree.

We seek a candidate with a demonstrated record of teaching and/or scholarship grounded in critical pedagogies and/or critical theories in education. Experience working with PK–12 classrooms, educational systems (including alternative models), and historically marginalized communities is especially valued.

The successful candidate will teach eight courses per year. Depending on departmental needs, teaching responsibilities may include sections of introductory Educational Foundations courses—such as EDF 115 (Exploration of Schooling in America) and EDF 315 (Diverse Perspectives on Education)—as well as graduate-level courses, including EDF 672 (Social/Cultural Foundations of Education), or a combination of two.

Candidates must be prepared to teach across a range of instructional modalities, including in-person and asynchronous formats. Note: in order to teach graduate courses, the candidate must complete a Non-Tenure Track Graduate Faculty Form.

Salary & Benefits: $55,000

• Limited benefits package including medical, life insurance, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. 

Primary Duties:

• Teach a range of Educational Foundations courses (eight per year), from introductory to graduate level, including courses such as EDF 115, EDF 315, and EDF 672.

• Deliver instruction across multiple modalities, including face-to-face and online formats.

• Evaluate student learning through grading assignments and completing end-of-semester assessments.

• Travel to teaching locations, including Valley Campus and City Campus.

• Attend unit meetings and collaborate with Educational Foundations faculty on course alignment and learning objectives.

• When teaching introductory courses, provide support for first-year students and integrate early clinical field experiences that connect theory to PK–12 practice.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Foundations or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated potential for effective university-level teaching in Educational Foundations.

• Ability to teach across multiple modalities, including face-to-face and online formats.

• Willingness and ability to travel to various teaching locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or ABD) in Educational Foundations or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in university-level teaching in Educational Foundations.

• Experience in PK–12 educational settings.

• Experience working with historically marginalized communities.

• Experience supporting and engaging first-year college students.

Department/Division: Literacy, Educational Foundations, and Technology Department, College of Education and Community Innovation.

Campus: City Campus, Grand Rapids, MI.

How To Apply: Attach your cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and an unofficial copy of graduate transcripts. Contact information for professional references may be requested at a later date. Applications missing required documents will not be considered.

The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact search chair Leanne Kang, kangl@gvsu.edu.  If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and on a rolling basis, meaning we evaluate candidates as applications are received and may fill the position at any time. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.