Tusculum University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Education for Fall 2026. Located in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian mountains, Tusculum provides the successful applicant the opportunity to foster experiential learning in a meaningful way. Over 50% of entering undergraduate students are considered first-generation students, and the close-knit community of Tusculum University provides a springboard for these students to succeed and thrive. Our faculty have the rewarding opportunity to pour into those students’ lives and help educate the next generation of leaders for East Tennessee and beyond.
Tusculum faculty are responsible for teaching a minimum of 12 credits in each of the fall and spring semesters, advising, service, scholarship, and professional development. All employees must be active participants in advancing Tusculum University’s Mission Statement, which is as follows:
Building on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit, Tusculum University provides an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, to enrich personal lives, and to prepare career-ready professionals.
In support of that mission, applicants for faculty roles should be prepared to advance all components of the mission statement. This includes the university’s faith-based tradition, which emphasizes closeness of faculty-student involvement, both within and without the classroom, in order to cultivate citizenship, Christian character, and practical wisdom among members of the University community. As a part of that mission, the university is committed to creating a campus climate in which the Christian faith is reasonably and persuasively presented and in which the university offers a program of quality education in the liberal arts and sciences with the concept of the wholeness of life as interpreted by the Christian faith.
• QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- A master’s degree in education or curriculum development or a closely related discipline with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline is required; a doctorate or terminal degree in the discipline is preferred.
- Experience teaching introductory education courses and/or supervising student teachers
- Mastery of technological competencies that facilitate 21st-century literacies preferred
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
● Faculty/Teaching Functions
- Teach lectures & labs as assigned by the Assistant Dean and in accordance with the load requirements listed in the Faculty Handbook
- Produce syllabi for each course section per the requirements outlined in the Faculty Handbook and any additional requirements outlined by the Assistant Dean
- Keep careful attendance records for all enrolled students between the first day of classes and the published census date
- Keep office hours (physically when possible and virtually otherwise) at least 5 regular hours per week
- Serve on university committees, attend Faculty Assemblies, and engage in other faculty duties as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
- Serve as an Advisor for students
- Engage in mentoring students outside of class and being an active participant in the life of the university
- Actively further the University’s mission of providing “an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.”
Tusculum University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. In addition, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Tusculum participates in E-Verify and observes the guidelines as a Tennessee Drug Free Workplace. Applicants will be required to submit to and complete (1) substance abuse testing at a laboratory chosen by Tusculum University and (2) an employment background check, which includes a criminal background check, employment verification, license verification (if applicable), and credit history (if applicable). If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. John Alpers at 423-373-7417 or jalpers@tusculum.edu.
Applications are accepted only via email to turesume@tusculum.edu, Attn: Assistant Professor of Education. A complete application will include:
1. A cover letter that contains a summary statement of teaching philosophy and how the candidate would fulfill the following foundational aspects of the university’s mission as it relates to academic affairs, including:
a. Christian Mission – Tusculum University is a Christian university committed to the holistic development of students. Faculty are expected to actively contribute to a campus climate in which the Christian faith is thoughtfully and persuasively presented and engage students in ways that cultivate citizenship, Christian character, and practical wisdom. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide a “caring Christian environment.”
b. Teaching Mission – Tusculum is a teaching-focused institution. We are looking first and foremost for excellent classroom teachers who genuinely enjoy teaching and are committed to student learning. We seek candidates who demonstrate strong teaching ability, value meaningful faculty-student interaction, and are committed to creating engaging learning experiences that support student success. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide an “active and experiential education.”
c. Mentoring/Discipleship Mission – Tusculum is committed to the shared responsibility of mentoring students. Strong candidates will express a desire to invest in the development and formation of students outside the classroom through mentorship, advising, leadership, and meaningful engagement within the University community. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to “inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.”
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Copies of all post-secondary transcripts
4. The names and contact information of 3-5 references, and
5. A completed Tusculum University application. A link to the application form is near the top of the web page https://www3.tusculum.edu/hr/employment-opportunities