Description

BA in Elementary Education Director

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A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

The UNC School of Education, one of the longest-standing professional schools at the nation’s first public university, ranks among the top schools of education in the U.S. and offers a full range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctorate; forward-thinking certificate and licensure programs; and in-person, online, and HyFlex offerings. Faculty members generate knowledge across a number of fields, including human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, educational policy and leadership, and more; they also prepare students to become the most highly effective educators to lead in classrooms, schools, districts and beyond, as well as future scholars and researchers.

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Carolina), established in 1793 as the first public university in the nation, is a doctoral-granting institution situated in the beautiful college town of Chapel Hill, NC. Ranked fifth among public institutions by US News & World Report, and one of the original public ivy schools, Carolina has earned a reputation as one of the best universities in the world. We pride ourselves on a strong, diverse student body, unparalleled academic opportunities, and a value unmatched by any public university in the nation. The School of Education is among the best in the nation and currently ranked #27 among all, and #17 among public, schools of education by US News & World Report. The UNC School of Education’s graduates serve in diverse settings across the state and nation and are among the most effective teachers in North Carolina. Our faculty is comprised of world-renowned researchers and practitioners who lead nationally ranked programs.

The School of Education is an academic unit reporting to the Provost. The School is a major center of research, teaching, and public service within the State of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. The School offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The mission of the School of Education is to conduct research, and generate basic and applied knowledge about human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, as well as educational policy and leadership; prepare leaders in the profession of education by conducting outstanding research, teaching, and service; and assist in the development of strong and effective public schools in North Carolina. In order to fulfill its mission, the School is organized into three academic divisions: (1) Culture, Curriculum, & Teacher Education (CCATE), (2) Learning, Development & Psychological Sciences (LDPS), and (3) Educational Policy, Organization, & Leadership (EPOL).

Position Summary
The School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an experienced scholar and administrator to serve as director for its relaunched BA in Elementary Education. This is a full-time, fixed-term, 12-month appointment at the rank of Clinical Assistant or Clinical Associate Professor. This individual will hold a primary faculty appointment within the School, with a secondary administrative appointment as the Director. The Director will play a central role in the administration, coordination, and teaching, as well as growth of the program. The start date is July 1, 2026, with an initial 3-year appointment. The appointment is renewable and contingent on performance and availability of funds.

The position is a unique opportunity to provide leadership for the Elementary Education program. The successful candidate will:

• Direct and represent the Elementary Education program to both internal and external audiences, providing oversight and management of all key operational areas of program delivery, and ensuring the achievement of program metrics and outcomes.
• Work with faculty on the continuous improvement of program curricular and co-curricular elements and facilitate course development and updates as needed in alignment with research, best practice, and/or state and accreditor standards.
•  Assist with recruiting students, reviewing applications, and managing admissions.
• Coordinate course scheduling and staffing.
• Teach courses in the program commensurate with their expertise.
• Hire and manage supervisors, as well as supervise student interns as needed.
• Coordinate with respective School of Education staff the internships and other placements for the BA in Elementary Education program.
• Track student progress from application through graduation, ensuring high levels of application yield, as well as persistence and graduation.
• Coordinate with and/or assist, the Assistant Dean for Educator Preparation and Accreditation on matters related to licensure and add-ons for prospective teachers, as well as ongoing program evaluation, assessment, and accreditation.
• Coordinate with the School of Education Director of PK-12 Partnerships to maintain, grow, and deepen relationships with our network of B-12 school and district partners.
• Collaborate with School of Education colleagues and other partners to coordinate, create efficiencies, and achieve synergies to strengthen programming and bolster enrollments in teacher education, partnering with the NC Teaching Fellows and other initial licensure programs.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
An earned doctorate in teacher education or a closely related field. Qualified candidates will have recent professional experience in undergraduate and/or graduate elementary grades teacher education.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in program leadership positions is highly preferred. Preference will also be given to candidates with expertise in education for multiple language learners, social sciences education, and/or applications of learning sciences in the elementary school setting.

Special Instructions
To apply for the position, submit a letter of interest, vita, and the names of four references with full contact information, using the online application process at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309508

For full consideration, all application materials should be received by January 5, 2026, at which time the search committee will begin reviewing applications. The search will remain open until filled. For more information, email the Search Committee Chair, Professor Annemarie Hindman, at ahindman@unc.edu

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.