East Carolina University Hiring for Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy at Greenville, NC  Full Time

East Carolina University (ECU) (), the third largest university in the UNC system, is located in North Carolina’s coastal plain midway between Raleigh and the coast. An institution of over 29,000 students, ECU is a research-intensive university which offers more than 104 Bachelor’s Degree programs, 73 Master’s Degree programs, 17 doctoral programs, and 2 first professional degree programs (MD, DDS). ECU was first chartered as East Carolina Teachers Training School by the North Carolina General Assembly on March 8, 1907 and in 1967, the North Carolina General Assembly authorized university status, thus changing the institution’s name to East Carolina University.

Within the College of Education (), the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education () prepares pre-service and in-service teachers in the areas of literacy education, English education, and history education. Faculty are committed to providing comprehensive, research-based programs with rich clinical experiences and a focus on diverse, inclusive, and equitable literacy practices. The programs are designed to prepare teachers who are knowledgeable, reflective, culturally competent, and skilled in meeting the needs of diverse student populations.

Literacy Studies houses the Reading program, which offers opportunities for development in initial and advanced reading/literacy pathways. Literacy Studies courses are essential to the Elementary Education program at ECU, the largest in North Carolina. Additionally, approximately 385 Elementary Education majors who choose a concentration in Reading and 75 Special Education-General Curriculum majors take courses annually for the North Carolina K-12 Reading licensure. Reading Concentration and North Carolina K-12 Reading License program competencies include reading foundations, reading assessment, word recognition, comprehension, content area literacy instruction, language arts instruction, literacy in diverse contexts, and children’s/adolescent literature. In addition, the Reading Program offers service courses to other teacher education majors and approximately 500 Educator Residency Model candidates per year. The online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Reading and Literacy prepares teachers to become reading/literacy specialists who support K-12 students’ reading and literacy education and serve as leaders in the literacy profession. The MAEd program was revised and updated in 2019 to align with current professional standards and includes a focus on advanced competencies in foundational knowledge, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, diversity and equity, the literacy environment, leadership, and practicum experiences. The MAEd in Reading and Literacy typically enrolls approximately 70 graduate students each semester.

Literacy Studies also offers six online professional development Literacy Modules to the public for continuing education credit, a test preparation course for the NC Foundations of Reading Test, and a Literacy Education Module to Teach for America elementary candidates. Literacy Studies also partners with the ECU Community School (Lab School) to provide literacy instructional support.

Literacy Studies faculty are engaged in multiple research and professional development partnerships including the ECU Community School, the Rural Education Institute, the Latham Clinical Schools Network, and the Neurocognition Science Laboratory.

The Department of Literacy Studies, English Education, and History Education in the College of Education at ECU is seeking applicants for the Spangler Distinguished Professorship in Early Child Literacy, a full-time 9-month faculty position with an annual budget to support scholarship. The position is available starting Fall 2024. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications. This department’s mission aligns with ECU’s strategic plan and the position will be expected to coordinate, conduct, and publish research to advance the field’s understanding of early literacy with a focus on cultivating a culture of care, belonging, and opportunity for faculty, staff, learners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

1. Advocate for early literacy best practices, strategies, and initiatives in NC with other Spangler Distinguished Professors within the UNC System.

2. Take a leadership role in ensuring ECU’s teacher preparation program prepares educators, education-related professionals, and educational leaders to implement high-quality, research-based, and equitable early literacy curricula.

3. Plan, implement, and evaluate professional development and partnerships with school and community organizations that enhance early literacy teaching, learning, and leadership in Eastern North Carolina.

4. Coordinate, conduct, and publish research to advance the field’s understanding of early literacy.
5. Teach one course in literacy during each of the fall and spring terms.

6. Serve on program, department, and university committees.

Contingent upon availability of funding.

The successful applicant will have a Doctorate in reading/literacy or related fields of curriculum & instruction, literacy education, or special education with an expertise in literacy and hold the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The applicant will meet the following criteria: 1) a distinguished record of teaching, research, and service in early literacy; and 2) successful experience in collaborating with early literacy teachers and higher education faculty.

Candidates must hold or be eligible for NC Teaching Licensure or equivalent.

Desired qualifications include experience in the following: advocacy for early literacy policy; reading specialist role; success in securing external funding; multilingual populations; or culturally responsive pedagogies.

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents online at www.jobs.ecu.edu: a letter of application describing the candidate’s academic background and specific skills and experiences relevant to the position; a current vitae; and list of three references, including contact information and the nature of your relationship. Official transcripts and original signed letters of recommendation will be required prior to a written contract offer. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Professor Marjorie Campo Ringler () or Michelle Smith () in COE human resources.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and seeks to create an environment that fosters the recruitment and retention of a more diverse student body, faculty, staff and administration. We encourage qualified applicants from women, minorities, veterans, individuals with a disability, and historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department of Human Resources at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to [email protected]. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.