Assistant Professor of Education and Child Development, Tenure Track

Assistant Professor of Education and Child Development, Tenure Track

Department: Education & Child Development
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

GRCC is seeking faculty who possess an interest in serving and retaining students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to closing equity gaps; engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes; demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines, and be committed to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion of traditional populations, non-traditional populations, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

Requisition ID: 1077
Department: Education and Child Development
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 32 weeks (Fall & Winter Semesters)

Start Date: Fall 2026
Compensation: Master's Degree $67,130 - 74,581. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.
Benefits: Full-time
Reports to: Associate Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Posting Opens: 02/24/2026
Posting Closes: 03/27/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and teach GRCC course offerings in Education such as CDA, Early Childhood General and Special Education, Elementary Education
• Participate fully as a member of the Education Department in such activities as curriculum development, evaluation and revision, committee membership, textbook selection, and department meetings.
• Work collaboratively with staff from local school districts and GRCC Early Childhood Learning Lab
• Advise students on curriculum and academic programs as appropriate.
• Contribute to student retention strategies to increase recruitment, inclusion, retention, and completion.
• Willingness and availability to work a flexible schedule.
• Participate in the development and revision of key assessments to inform data collection for NAEYC Accreditation
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Education.
• Incorporate new technologies and methods that enhance teaching and learning into his/her instructional methods.
• Assist department in establishing and maintaining relationships with transfer colleges and universities.
• Foster an equity-minded learning environment which advances inclusion, reduces equity gaps and promotes diversity and belonging of all students.
• Adhere to the standards and requirements expressed in the Faculty Contract.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Master's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR
• Master's degree or higher in Elementary Education with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education OR
• Master's degree or higher in Family and Child Studies with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education OR
• Master's degree or higher in Special Education with an Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education

Work Experience

• Five (5) years of full-time direct classroom teaching experience with children birth through 5th grade preferred.
• Two (2) years of successful post-secondary teaching experience in Early Childhood or Education preferred.
• Community college teaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic skills.
• Experience working with a variety of learning modalities preferred.
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment preferred.
• Experience developing equity-minded learning environments preferred.

Skills

• Appropriate technology required to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability and willingness to develop/teach in-person, online, and hybrid classes.

Physical Demands

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• A commitment to retain, advise, and serve student populations from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations.
• A commitment to serve the community.
• Demonstrates initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website .

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at . Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, visit