Job Description
Description
The Division of Arts and Letters at Governors
State University (GovState) invites applications for the
position of Assistant Professor of English Education beginning the
Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must hold a terminal degree in
English Education or an Ed.D. with an advanced degree in English,
or a closely related field with a specialization in teacher
education. The ideal candidate will teach undergraduate and
graduate courses in English methods, reading theory, writing
theory, literature (particularly children’s and young adult
literature), as well as supervise student teachers. The candidate
will also teach first-year writing courses in GovState’s general
education program. Preferred qualifications include a familiarity
with NCTE standards for educator preparation, Illinois State Board
of Education licensure assessments, educational technology, and
curriculum design. In order to be a leading candidate in this
search, in addition to the aforementioned requirements, the
candidate must be experienced in the use of innovative curricular
approaches that are student-centered, inquiry-based and hands-on,
and demonstrate outstanding potential for excellence in teaching
through a successful interview and/or classroom demonstration.
Successful applicants should also be prepared to maintain a program
of scholarship and provide meaningful service. Candidates may be
required to teach at night, on weekends, online, or at off campus
locations.
Governors State University is the only regional, public,
comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving
approximately 5,000 students annually. GovState provides
accessible, high value undergraduate and graduate education to
culturally and economically diverse students. GovState is
designated as a minority-serving institution, a predominantly Black
institution, and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution
reflecting the demographics of the region and communities we serve.
With among the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState
offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from
national accrediting agencies. GovState has developed a
state-of-the art General Education program and student academic and
support services to foster student and community engagement. New
faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work
with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.
Through its Institutional Strategic Framework, Better
Together, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and
innovation. Students benefit from the university’s high academic
quality, range of convenient class times, increasing hybrid and
online offerings, and outstanding educational value. GovState is a
national leader in successful transfer of community college
students to universities, and is leading through the
Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition
lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college
students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college
full-time. GovState offers several applied doctoral degrees in
health, counseling fields and Interdisciplinary Leadership.
The exceptionally beautiful campus is conveniently located within
easy reach by road and rail to Chicago and surrounding communities
that have a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly
diverse region GovState serves has a number of high performing
schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban,
suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public
square, working to foster educational opportunities for all
populations.
Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and
experience.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
1. Ph.D., Ed.D, or other terminal degree in English, English
Education or closely-related field. ABD will be considered, all
degree requirements must be completed by August 15, 2026.
2. License to teach secondary language arts (grades 9-12) or
ability to ensure license is in good standing prior to hire (e.g.
renewal of lapsed license).
3. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to teach undergraduate and
graduate courses.
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain an active research agenda
consistent with the maintenance of AQ (“Academically Qualified”)
faculty status under accreditation standards .
Preferred Requirements
1. Familiarity with NCTE standards for educator preparation,
Illinois State Board of Education licensure assessments,
educational technology, and curriculum design.
2. Experience supervising student teachers.
3. Experience teaching first-year writing.
4. Interest in and ability to develop and teach online course
Supplemental Information
Candidates should submit a cover letter detailing: teaching
experience, teaching philosophy, and research interests; a
curriculum vitae; and three letters of recommendation . For
full consideration, please submit materials by February 15,
2026 . Review of applications will begin immediately and will
continue until the position is filled. Initial interviews will be
held via Zoom or Teams. Please contact Dr. Christopher White,
cwhite@govst.edu if
you have questions.
The Division of Arts and Letters at Governors
State University (GovState) invites applications for the
position of Assistant Professor of English Education beginning the
Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must hold a terminal degree in
English Education or an Ed.D. with an advanced degree in English,
or a closely related field with a specialization in teacher
education. The ideal candidate will teach undergraduate and
graduate courses in English methods, reading theory, writing
theory, literature (particularly children’s and young adult
literature), as well as supervise student teachers. The candidate
will also teach first-year writing courses in GovState’s general
education program. Preferred qualifications include a familiarity
with NCTE standards for educator preparation, Illinois State Board
of Education licensure assessments, educational technology, and
curriculum design. In order to be a leading candidate in this
search, in addition to the aforementioned requirements, the
candidate must be experienced in the use of innovative curricular
approaches that are student-centered, inquiry-based and hands-on,
and demonstrate outstanding potential for excellence in teaching
through a successful interview and/or classroom demonstration.
Successful applicants should also be prepared to maintain a program
of scholarship and provide meaningful service. Candidates may be
required to teach at night, on weekends, online, or at off campus
locations.
Governors State University is the only regional, public,
comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving
approximately 5,000 students annually. GovState provides
accessible, high value undergraduate and graduate education to
culturally and economically diverse students. GovState is
designated as a minority-serving institution, a predominantly Black
institution, and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution
reflecting the demographics of the region and communities we serve.
With among the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState
offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from
national accrediting agencies. GovState has developed a
state-of-the art General Education program and student academic and
support services to foster student and community engagement. New
faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work
with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.
Through its Institutional Strategic Framework, Better
Together, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and
innovation. Students benefit from the university’s high academic
quality, range of convenient class times, increasing hybrid and
online offerings, and outstanding educational value. GovState is a
national leader in successful transfer of community college
students to universities, and is leading through the
Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition
lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college
students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college
full-time. GovState offers several applied doctoral degrees in
health, counseling fields and Interdisciplinary Leadership.
The exceptionally beautiful campus is conveniently located within
easy reach by road and rail to Chicago and surrounding communities
that have a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly
diverse region GovState serves has a number of high performing
schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban,
suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public
square, working to foster educational opportunities for all
populations.
Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and
experience.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
1. Ph.D., Ed.D, or other terminal degree in English, English
Education or closely-related field. ABD will be considered, all
degree requirements must be completed by August 15, 2026.
2. License to teach secondary language arts (grades 9-12) or
ability to ensure license is in good standing prior to hire (e.g.
renewal of lapsed license).
3. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to teach undergraduate and
graduate courses.
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain an active research agenda
consistent with the maintenance of AQ (“Academically Qualified”)
faculty status under accreditation standards .
Preferred Requirements
1. Familiarity with NCTE standards for educator preparation,
Illinois State Board of Education licensure assessments,
educational technology, and curriculum design.
2. Experience supervising student teachers.
3. Experience teaching first-year writing.
4. Interest in and ability to develop and teach online course
Supplemental Information
Candidates should submit a cover letter detailing: teaching
experience, teaching philosophy, and research interests; a
curriculum vitae; and three letters of recommendation . For
full consideration, please submit materials by February 15,
2026 . Review of applications will begin immediately and will
continue until the position is filled. Initial interviews will be
held via Zoom or Teams. Please contact Dr. Christopher White,
cwhite@govst.edu if
you have questions.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Assistant Professor of English Education position is now open for candidates interested in the Teacher Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Teacher Jobs is a plus.