Job Description:

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art Education to begin September 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate the department's BFA and MA Art Education programs, advise students, and provide service to the department, university, and community. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with the UMass Amherst College of Education, maintaining ongoing relationships with PK-12 public schools, preparation of accreditation materials, and participation in state and national accreditation reviews. Teaching responsibilities will include courses emphasizing the following: introduction to art education, methods course emphasizing digital and traditional studio practices in schools, graduate seminars addressing research and topics current in the field, and the supervision of Art Education student teaching field experiences. The teaching load consists of four courses per academic year.

The candidate must maintain an active, well-articulated research agenda, including scholarly presentations and publications nationally and regionally. They must also offer practice-related presentations for current teachers in the field, build and maintain professional relationships with art educators on the local, regional, and national levels and participate in department, university, and professional service.

Application Instructions

In addition to a full application for employment, please submit:

• Cover Letter
• Teaching philosophy
• Current curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts
• Three examples of course syllabi
• Name, title, and full contact information of three professional references who would be willing to provide a letter of reference
• Additional supporting materials including a teaching video may be requested from finalists

To receive full consideration, submit your application materials by December 1, 2025. The search will remain open until it is filled; however, applications received after the priority deadline of December 1 may not be reviewed.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Requirements

The successful candidate must have a PhD or EdD degree in Art Education and experience teaching in a university visual arts education program. ABD candidates will be considered. Candidates must also have two years of experience teaching visual arts in grades PK-12 in public, private and/or charter school or community-based settings. The department values diversity as a factor in academic excellence. We seek applicants who are committed to advancing contemporary topics impacting the field of art education. It is important that candidates have a global perspective and are open to exploring innovative ways to craft curricula, experiences, and projects that empower students to teach with confidence in classroom and community settings. The successful candidate will have experience in practical and theoretical pedagogies, including familiarity with new technologies and emerging subject areas that contribute to student engagement in PK-12 art classrooms.

Candidates should have experience developing student-centered programs and pedagogical approaches relevant to students in school systems, community, and cultural institutions in addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to be a significant contributor to the field of art education at state, national, and international levels. 

They will have a strong record of and/or demonstrated potential for scholarly contributions to the field, actively presenting and publishing research in art education on a regular basis, demonstrated commitment to program and course development and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and a record of excellence in teaching, creative research, and/or service. In addition, we seek candidates with familiarity with the license process for pre-service public school art educators (in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or a comparable state/region) as well as the ability to advise current art educators who are graduate students seeking their Master or Arts degree alongside or in preparation for initial or professional licensure, or in-service teaching. Preferred candidates would demonstrate interest and/or experience in online course development, particularly for graduate students.