Visiting Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Education Studies

College of Education, The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)

The University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) College of Education invites qualified professionals to apply for a full-time, benefits-eligible, visiting assistant professor responsible for the coordination of the Bachelor of Education Studies (BES). As a highly responsive research institution, we develop original programs and practices, rich student-centered learning experiences, and thoughtful, informed educators, practitioners, and entrepreneurs. We promote creative solutions for educational, community, and mental health settings. We nurture diverse leaders, practitioners, and researchers in service to the critical demands of local, national, and global communities. We aim to extend the boundaries of our learning community to ensure that we and our partners learn from each other. We are dedicated to excellence and the inherent value of every learner.

The BES program emphasizes experiential education in a wide variety of community-based settings outside of K-12 schools. Valuing education in all spaces, not just classrooms is key. Our BES program includes four emphasis areas: early childhood, exercise science and wellness, park and museum studies, and youth and adult development. This position will require coordination of the BES program, which involves managing diverse clinical placements in student internships, developing clinical placement partnerships, conducting curricular revisions, promoting the program, recruiting of students, and developing and revising program policies and procedures. At the same time, we are seeking a professional with background in Physical Education or Early Childhood, content areas represented in the program. The regular teaching load is four courses per semester. The position is a twelve-month academic year contract beginning preferably August 2026. UMSL is an equal opportunity institution. It is critical to our mission that our faculty are representative of the broad range of the students and communities we serve. Applicants of various backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply for the position.

Responsibilities:
* Teach undergraduate courses each fall and spring, commensurate with the faculty member's expertise. Supervision of students over the summer semester.
* Supervise students completing Internships.
* Developing and fostering clinical placement partnerships.
* Supervise and support undergraduate students.
* Demonstrate a willingness and ability to collaborate with colleagues to support the mission of the institution and the College of Education.
* Demonstrate/support the College's dedication and commitment to culturally-responsive practices
* Contribute to a welcoming culture in the program and college.
* Serve on committees at the university and college level, as well as in the community.

Required Qualifications:
* Experience with experiential learning and community engagement
* A doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Education, especially Physical Education or Early Childhood or related interdisciplinary fields such as Educational Studies, Counseling, Human Development, Youth Development, Recreation/Park Management, Exercise Science, Heritage Leadership, and Teaching and Learning Process.
* Documented evidence of teaching excellence and contribution to student development
* Documented evidence of professional goals and experience in alignment with the mission of an urban serving institution
* Active membership in education related professional organizations at local, regional, and national levels

Preferred Qualifications:
* Background in Educational Studies and/or experiential learning, non-traditional educational settings
* Background in early childhood (birth to age 5) and/or exercise science
* Experience in educational based clinical supervision

Expectations:
* This position reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Education Sciences and Professional Programs. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. This is a full-time 100% FTE benefits-eligible position. This position has no rights to tenure at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Appointment is a twelve month, visiting faculty position.

Application Materials:
* Please provide a detailed letter of application that includes:
o Cover letter
o Curriculum vitae
o Statement describing your teaching philosophy including evidence of experiential learning, ability to extend connection to education beyond university and foster community partnerships. The statement should include your experience with supervising and supporting all students.
o Official copies of transcripts
o Contact information for five (5) professional references (finalists will receive instructions for reference check)

Applications:
Applicants MUST apply online at www.umsl.jobs and include a letter of application that addresses stated position requirements and preferences, current CV, and contact information including email and telephone numbers of five professional references. All materials should be combined into a single PDF file and attached as a "resume" during the online application process. Only completed applications submitted online will be reviewed.
Applications will be reviewed immediately; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Interested individuals who have questions may contact the search committee chair, Dr. Agata Freedle agatafreedle@umsl.edu.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Bachelor of Education Studies in the College of Education
The UMSL Bachelor of Educational Studies (BES) is an experiential education degree designed for students who are passionate about education and committed to making a meaningful impact beyond traditional classroom settings. BES students prepare to lead, teach, and inspire in diverse environments, including early childhood programs, parks and museums, wellness and exercise science, and youth and adult development.
The program emphasizes experiential learning, inclusive practice, and community engagement. Through flexible coursework and required internships, students explore how people learn in everyday spaces and develop the skills to design and deliver educational experiences that are relevant, responsive, and rooted in real-world contexts.
BES students choose from four emphasis areas that guide their academic and internship journeys. These emphasis areas help students align their experiences with personal interests and career goals, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully and purposefully to the organizations they serve.
Internship sites play a vital role in this process, offering students the opportunity to apply their learning, grow as educators, and discover the joy and responsibility of working in community-based settings. Together, we prepare graduates who love what they do-and who know how to make a difference.

University of Missouri - St. Louis

The UMSL Experience

With nearly 15,000 students, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is the St. Louis region's premier public research university. UMSL provides excellent learning experiences and leadership opportunities to a student body whose influence on the region upon graduation is immense.

UMSL is spread across more than 350 acres in suburban St. Louis County with a mix of modern and historic academic buildings as well as a variety of student residence halls, condominiums and apartments. It's the perfect setting for students to gain unique insights from outstanding faculty and work experience from internships at companies and organizations found only in this world-class metropolitan region.

While UMSL graduates can be found in all 50 states and countries around the globe, their greatest impact is felt right here in St. Louis. More than 80,000 UMSL alumni call the St. Louis region home. They drive the region's economy and contribute mightily to its social well-being.

Our Mission: We transform lives.

As the metropolitan, land-grant, research institution serving the most diverse and economically important region in Missouri, the University of Missouri-St. Louis delivers exceptional educational, research and engagement experiences that inform, prepare, challenge and inspire.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.