Assistant Professor of Social Studies

Position Description

The Social Studies Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University seeks applications for a Clinical Assistant Professor of P-12 Social Studies Education. The successful candidate will teach social studies methods courses and engage in activities within the College of Education, across the university, and in P-12 partner schools.

This is a 9-month academic year, clinical track position with a 3-3 teaching load. Reappointments occur in 3-year contractual terms. Clinical appointments are non-tenure track but with the potential for promotion in rank. The position also includes the possibility of summer employment.

This position requires an on-campus, face-to-face presence.

Responsibilities

• Teach three courses each fall and spring semester
• Structure, coordinate, and teach elementary and/or secondary social studies methods courses that are inquiry-based and include experiential/field components
• Teach graduate-level courses
• Advise graduate students
• Engage in activities within the College of Education, across the university, and in P-12 schools
• Collaborate on program assessment and accreditation activities
• Participate in program, department, college, and university committees.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Social Studies Education or closely related field, with an active record of teaching and service commensurate with experience
• Experience collaborating across P-12 disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of P-12 classroom teaching experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Elementary school social studies or social studies methods teaching experience
• Record of leadership, experience, and professional involvement
• Experience teaching in a teacher education program
• Experience mentoring graduate students

Salary

Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Starting Date

August 18, 2025

Application

Review of applications will begin October 28, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications must include:

1. A cover letter outlining qualifications and experience

2. A current curriculum vitae

3. 2-page maximum narrative describing the applicant’s teaching philosophy

4. A writing sample (e.g. published article, conference proceedings, book chapter, etc.)

4. Three letters of recommendation which can be emailed directly to Kristy Bennett (kristybennett@purdue.edu) from the letter writers.

Inquiries

Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Dr. Anatoli Rapoport (rapoport@purdue.edu)

Background Check

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Social Studies Education Program Area

The Social Studies Education program area within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction contributes to Purdue’s priorities in discovery, learning, and engagement within the College of Education. The program offers prospective researchers/scholars, teacher educators, and K-12 educators the opportunity to investigate contemporary issues in social studies education research and theory as well as pedagogical methods related to social studies learning, teaching, assessment, and curriculum. Faculty members are committed to creating and disseminating knowledge relevant to the discipline of social studies education, preparing scholars, educators and leaders in social studies education on the local, national, and international levels; and promoting access to social studies for all learners. https://education.purdue.edu/undergraduate-students/prospective-students/majors/social-studies-education/

College of Education

The College of Education aspires to be a collaborative community.  We are innovators discovering new ideas and solutions that will foster a positive global impact for faculty, staff, students, and community.  Successful candidates will promote inclusive excellence and encourage freedom of thought and speech.

Purdue University

Purdue University is a leading land grant and research university and ranks among the 25 largest
universities in the nation. The university has an enrollment of more than 49,000 on the West Lafayette campus and more than 17,000 on regional campuses in Indiana. It is located in West Lafayette, IN, 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 125 miles southeast of Chicago.

Equal Opportunity

Purdue University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Purdue views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all University related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran.