Professor Jobs in Kansas

INTRODUCTION

Washburn University's Education Department invites applications for a Lecturer with possible conversion to tenure track after three years. This is a 9-month, full-time position to begin August 1, 2026.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.

Washburn University offers undergraduate programs leading to licensure in elementary, middle, secondary, and PreK-12 areas as well as graduate degrees in the Science of Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. The Department of Education houses the elementary and special education programs and supports programs in the secondary and PreK-12 programs. Faculty in the Department of Education have the opportunity to work with students in all disciplines through various core education courses and field experiences. The Education Department works closely with several partner school districts in the Topeka area. The selected candidate will join a team of dedicated faculty members and community partners.

ABOUT WASHBURN UNIVERSITY

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Position Summary

Essential Functions:

• Fulfill teaching expectations associated with non-tenure-track appointment by engaging in service activities in the department, school, university, and profession.
• Teach 12-hours per semester or equivalent full workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Teach and develop classes as assigned and as dependent upon department needs.
• Fulfill service expectations associated with non-tenure-track appointment by engaging in service activities in the department, school, university, and profession.
• Provide academic advising to students, hold on-campus office hours at least 3 days per week, in accordance with department policies, attend meetings, and fulfill service expectations.
• If converted to a tenure track position, candidate will be required to participate in teaching, service, and scholarship activities in accordance with tenure requirements.
• Reports to the Department Chair.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree + at least 18 hours toward a terminal degree in an education related Field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working with students in P-12 settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in the science of reading, including but not limited to structured literacy and/or dyslexia.
• Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.
• Official educational transcripts required at the time of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Terminal degree in literacy education.
• Demonstrated expertise in three or more areas of literacy including but not limited to: explicit literacy instruction, adolescent literacy, literacy assessment, data-based decision-making systems, implementation science, advocacy, writing instruction, and/or dyslexia assessment and intervention.
• Experience supervising pre-service teacher candidates and/or practicum students in field placements.
• Experience teaching at the university level at the undergraduate and graduate level.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

• Please upload a statement of teaching philosophy as a pdf to the “additional document” field via the electronic application.
• The cover letter should explain your interest and qualifications for this position at Washburn University.
• Contact information for three current professional references and unofficial academic transcripts will be collected as part of the application form.
• Questions pertaining to this recruitment may be directed to department chair, Dr. Cherry Steffen cherry.steffen@washburn.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applications can be assured of full consideration if submitted by: June 26, 2026.

Background Check Required

Washburn University is committed to providing an environment for individuals to pursue educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination and/or harassment. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.