CEHD Inside / Out

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction invites nominations and applications for the position of Lecturer or Teaching Specialist in the area of reading/literacy education, with an emphasis on reading in the elementary grades. This is a full-time academic professional position in a highly regarded college of a major urban research university beginning August 25, 2008.

The individual in this position will collaborate with literacy faculty in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and across the College to support ongoing and new efforts to investigate and create excellent literacy education in grades K-6, with a special emphasis on multicultural urban settings and students in the elementary school. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Teaching and advisement: Strengthen the existing preparation and development of licensure students and graduate students in elementary reading. Teach and advise students in elementary reading education licensure and graduate programs.

Service: Support the literacy education program area and coordinate the K-12 reading licensure program. Participate in College, University, and community service or other outreach activities, such as service on internal committees or task forces and/or collaborating with external constituencies such as the public schools. Participate in the activities of relevant professional organizations.

Desired Background and Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned master's degree in reading/literacy education (for Teaching Specialist); an earned doctorate in reading/literacy education (for Lecturer). Applications from ABD candidates will be considered provided the individual is on track to complete the doctorate by 8/25/2008.


• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching and academic program development at the postbaccalaureate and graduate level, and service/outreach activities.


• At least two years of teaching experience in the elementary grades in US schools.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in education with an emphasis on elementary reading or a closely related field. Applications from ABD candidates will be considered provided the individual is on track to complete the doctorate by 8/25/2008.


• Evidence of a commitment to teaching and working with schools in multicultural urban and rural settings


• Evidence of leadership skills, organization, and ability to coordinate literacy program components, particularly the reading licensure program, and work with faculty members on literacy initiatives, scheduling, and program planning


• Demonstrated current knowledge of research in reading/literacy related to primary-grade instruction and ability to communicate this information

Appointment Details: The individual hired will be appointed to a full-time, 9-month position beginning August 25, 2008 as a lecturer or teaching specialist. Summer and Intersession employment is a possibility but is not guaranteed. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Application Process: This position will remain open until filled. To receive fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by January 21, 2008, when the search committee will begin its deliberations. Completed applications will consist of an application letter addressing qualifications, a curriculum vita, an academic transcript, the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references from whom you have requested letters to be sent to the search committee, and the three letters from the references.

Apply online by accessing the University of Minnesota employment system at https://employment.umn.edu. Search for requisition number 152197. Supporting materials, such as the application letter and curriculum vita, academic transcript, and names of references and their contact information may be attached electronically to the online application or mailed to: Reading/Literacy Search Committee, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 125 Peik Hall, University of Minnesota, 159 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455. The letters of reference should be mailed directly to the search committee at this address. For additional information, contact Assistant Professor Lori Helman, Search Committee Chair, at 612-624-2034; e-mail address: lhelman@umn.edu.