Assistant Professor in STEM (Mathematics) Education (Tenure Track)
Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education
College of Education, Health, and Human Science
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at The University of Tennessee seeks a dynamic scholar for a full-time (9-month), tenure-track assistant professor position in STEM education with expertise in mathematics education.
About the Program
The University of Tennessee is an R1 doctoral institution with very high research activity and considerable emphasis on community engagement. The Department of TPTE brings together experts across several education fields to prepare individuals for impactful careers in educational settings and beyond, to bridge innovative research and practice, and to serve communities through educational excellence. The department is organized into three units, and this position resides within the Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ILT) Unit. Collaboration across the units is frequent and expected. ILT programs span early childhood education, STEM education, learning design and technology, and computing, AI and data science in education. Our programs are led by twelve tenure-track/tenured faculty and eleven full-time clinical faculty and instructors. We are brought together by our embrace of interdisciplinary approaches to education across classroom, community, and digital contexts and a dedication to educational innovation from cradle to career. Our STEM education faculty have unique opportunities to work with two research centers, the Center for Enhancing Education in Mathematics and Science (CEEMS) and the AI, Data, and Educational Partnerships (ADEPT) center to develop collaborations across colleges and departments, school districts, and community organizations to enhance PreK-16 STEM education and support community-engaged scholarship.
Position Details
We desire a new colleague who engages in substantial research to address important challenges facing students, teachers, families, schools, and communities in PreK-16 mathematics education. The candidate’s research may focus on (but is not limited to): 1) mathematics teaching and/or learning through STEM integration, especially with a focus on connecting mathematics and engineering, emerging technologies, or career/technical education; 2) the influence of shifting educational policies or broader societal trends on mathematics teaching and learning; 3) the preparation of educators for mathematics instruction in formal school or informal contexts; 4) mathematics learning as understood through innovative theories and methodologies. Responsibilities include: teaching preservice teachers in mathematics education courses; teaching and advising master’s and doctoral students; conducting and publishing research on PreK-16 mathematics or STEM education; pursuing and obtaining external funding to build a strong research agenda; working cooperatively and developing relationships with other university departments and organizations related to STEM education; providing service and leadership in STEM education programs; and participating in STEM education outreach and engagement activities.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Mathematics Education, or a related field, by August 2027; substantive teaching experience in an educational context relevant to their expertise; a record of scholarship and pursuit of external funding commensurate with experience; and a demonstrated commitment to collaborations across research and/or teaching grounded in trusting, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues and communities. In addition, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the current landscape of mathematics education, including key challenges and future directions.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit: 1) a letter of interest outlining their research and teaching experiences and qualifications for the position (maximum of 2 pages, single-spaced); 2) a research statement detailing their scholarly agenda, including past and current research as well as future directions (maximum of 2 pages, single-spaced); 3) a curriculum vita (not to exceed 10 pages) that demonstrates qualifications and fit for the position; and 4) the names and contact information for three references who are prepared to submit letters of recommendation for semi-finalists. Application materials should be submitted electronically via the Interfolio portal to [link]. General inquiries can be sent directly to Dr. Frances K. Harper, Search Committee Chair, at fharper1@utk.edu
Review of materials will begin on October 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The position is available beginning Fall Semester, 2027. For more information about the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, please visit http://cehhs.utk.edu/
Note regarding the use of generative AI: The committee understands that some candidates may elect to use generative AI to help prepare application materials. We view using AI for brainstorming, editing, and formatting as appropriate and ethical; however, candidates should not submit fully unedited, AI-generated text or falsified information.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
