Assistant Professor of Practice in Science Teacher Education

The College of Education (COE) at Texas Tech University (TTU) aspires to be a national leader in both the preparation of educators and the dissemination of educational research.  A state-of-the-art teacher education program and first-rate graduate and professional programs including engaged scholarship opportunities to guide the College’s pursuit of excellence.  Additionally, collaboration with the greater community drives our College vision and mission.  

Our Mission: Through investing in a dynamic student body, the COE promotes excellence in educator and professional preparation to meet the real-world challenges of our day.  We disseminate research focused on improving educational outcomes.  We are committed to engagement with partners through mutual collaboration, innovation and improvement. 

At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.  

In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.  

Primary responsibilities include teaching undergraduate science education courses, designing and refining curriculum, contributing to program development, and supporting initiatives that expand access to and interest in science education. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, broadening participation, and producing effective teachers.  

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Contribute to the design, development, and continuous enhancement of curriculum, informed by data, assessment outcomes, and best practices in teacher education.  

1. Engaged in ongoing program evaluation and scholarly or applied research related to science teacher education to strengthen and advance the department’s science program. 

1. Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance the mission of the Department of Teacher Education, ensuring strong sustained connection between theory and practice. 

1. Support strategic initiatives to increase enrollment  

The Assistant Professor of Practice will work closely with the Department Chair, TED Faculty Anchors, Professional Development Facilitators, Site Coordinators, and Lecturers to strengthen the undergraduate science education program and ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals. 

1. A conferred doctorate in education by September 1, 2026 from a major accredited university. 

1. At least 3 years of Grades 6-12 science teaching experience as a teacher of record in the U.S. public school settings. 

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply: 

• Strong disciplinary content knowledge in one or more science fields, as evidenced by substantial undergraduate or graduate coursework, a degree or academic concentration in a science discipline, or Grade 6-12 science teaching credentials.  

• Experience in science teacher preparation, such as designing and/or teaching instructional methods or content courses for science teacher candidates and coordinating field teaching practica. 

• Substantial experience supporting K-12 science education activities such as mentoring novice science teachers through residency, coaching, or professional development programs. 

• Conducting outreach and participating in partnerships with schools, districts, and/or community organizations. 

• Experience in using student data to evaluate instructional effectiveness, educational innovation, and/or research outcomes. 

• Evidence of research experience in science/STEM education, such as conducting empirical research, presenting at national or international research conferences or authoring peer-reviewed publications.  

• Documented experience serving as a department chair, science coordinator, instructional coach, curriculum leader, district science curriculum specialist, or curriculum coordinator in a K-12 setting. 

Please include the following documents in your application: 

1. Curriculum Vitae 

1. Cover Letter 

1. Other document(s) directly related to required qualifications 

1. List of references 

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Jianlan Wang, Search Committee Chair at [email protected]