Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Teaching position in Elementary Language Arts

We are seeking an innovative colleague whose expertise and experience in Elementary Language Arts and Literacies demonstrate the following:

• the potential to contribute to academic knowledge and leadership in the field of Elementary Language Arts and Literacies in teacher education;
• a commitment to advancing the area of literacies as a distinctive pedagogy that focuses on the multiple literacies of early and middle years children (i.e., Kindergarten to Grade 8);
• extensive knowledge of research, theories, concepts, and practices in literacies;
• an expansive approach to literacy, including multiliteracies, multimodalities, and critical literacies; and
• a strong global perspective on literacies and interest in engaging in national and international research collaborations.

Candidates will have completed a doctoral degree in English Language Arts/Language & Literacies education from an accredited university. Applicants will also have publications in theory and practice related to ELA pedagogy. Relevant elementary teaching experience as well as knowledge of Canadian ELA curriculum is required. Teaching experience at the post-secondary level is considered an asset. The individual is required to have, or be eligible to receive, a valid Saskatchewan Professional “A” teaching certificate. 

The successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate level in the area of elementary ELA and teach at the graduate level in areas related to literacies and research, promoting expansive literacies practices that are responsive to diverse children and families. The candidate will also conduct and disseminate research work, scholarly work, and/or artistic work related to literacies education, contribute to collegial processes in the College of Education, and provide service, including demonstrating the willingness and expertise to work with community partners.  All Department members are expected to teach undergraduate (teacher education) courses, supervise graduate students, participate in administrative work, serve on committees, and provide public services, and have the opportunity to teach graduate courses.

The University of Saskatchewan:

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching; research, scholarly, and artistic work; and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 26,000. 

The College of Education:

The College of Education at USask is dedicated to fostering educational preparation that meets the evolving needs of the 21st-century classroom. Our faculty is committed to promoting reconciliation and supporting the educational needs of Indigenous communities, advancing land-based pedagogies, and fostering anti-racist practices in K-12 and beyond. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Communities, and connect faculty and students to local, national, and international contexts, while respecting research-based practice as well as meeting the highest standards of Canada's world-class research intensive universities. Offering degrees at the B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D., and Ph.D. levels, we are also the only part of the University of Saskatchewan to achieve a ranking in the 151-175 position on the Times Higher Education scale for the second consecutive year.

The Department of Curriculum Studies:

Our department plays a crucial role in the pedagogical development of teacher candidates, transitioning them into the province’s teaching workforce with a deep commitment to community engagement and diverse perspectives. The Department of Curriculum Studies is responsible for the delivery of core undergraduate methods courses, meeting the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education curriculum requirements, offering courses to approximately 1500 undergraduate students annually. The Master of Education and Cross-departmental PhD program provide graduate education for inservice teachers and others.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

The Department of Curriculum Studies is committed to an equitable hiring process. We encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our faculty.

Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in English Language and Literacies education at the elementary and/or middle years levels.
• Evidence of successful classroom teaching experience in English Language and Literacies at the elementary school levels.
• Evidence of successful post-secondary teaching in elementary English Language and Literacies education.
• Experience in working collaboratively with diverse school populations and/or community groups to support the development of innovative teaching practices in Language and Literacies education.
• A commitment to culturally responsive teaching, such as in place-based, land-based, and anti-racist pedagogies. 
• Experience with EDI principles in teaching and

Department of Curriculum Studies: https://education.usask.ca/departments/ecur.php

The College of Education Strategic Plan 2025: https://education.usask.ca/about-us/strategicplan2025.php

The Curriculum Studies Department is committed to the University Plan 2025. https://plan.usask.ca/

Salary Bands:

The salary for this position is determined by experience and qualifications, in line with the University of Saskatchewan’s collective agreement. The scale is $110,489 - $131,909.

The position includes a benefits package with health, dental, and vision care plans; life insurance; disability coverage; pension plan; professional expense allowance; and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled.

Application Process:

Applications must include:

1. A cover letter outlining the candidate’s teaching
2. A curriculum
3. A teaching philosophy statement that focuses on literacies.
4. Contact information for three

Please send completed applications to:

Dr. Geraldine Balzer
Department Head, Curriculum Studies
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
3021 - 28 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1
Email: [email protected]

Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated. Candidates may be asked to provide proof of citizenship, residency, or work eligibility.