Position Description
The Social Studies Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University seeks applications for a Clinical Assistant Professor of P-12 Social Studies Education. The successful candidate will teach social studies methods courses and engage in scholarly activities within the College of Education, across the university, and in P-12 partner schools.
This position is a 9-month academic year, clinical track position with a 3-3 teaching load. Reappointments occur in 3-year contractual terms. Clinical appointments are non-tenure track but with the potential for promotion in rank. The position also includes the possibility of summer employment. Responsibilities include:
- Teach three courses each fall and spring semester
- Structure, coordinate, and teach elementary and/or secondary social studies methods courses that are inquiry-based and include experiential/field components
- Teach graduate level courses
- Advise graduate students
- Engage in appropriate scholarly activities within the College of Education, across the university, and in P-12 schools
- Collaborate on program assessment and accreditation activities
- Participate in program, department, college, and university committees
This position requires an on-campus, face-to-face presence.
Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate in Social Studies Education or closely related field by starting date, with an active record of teaching and service commensurate with experience
- Experience collaborating across P-12 disciplines
- Minimum of 3 years of P-12 classroom teaching experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Elementary school social studies or social studies methods teaching experience
- Record of leadership, experience, and professional involvement
- Experience teaching in a teacher education program
Starting Date
August 17, 2026
Inquiries
Inquiries about this position may be directed to: Dr. John P. Broome (jbroome@purdue.edu)
Application
Review of applications will begin on November 14, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications must include:
- A cover letter outlining qualifications and experience
- A current curriculum vitae
- 2-page (maximum) narrative describing the applicant’s teaching philosophy
- A writing sample (e.g. published article, conference proceedings, book chapter, etc.)
- Three letters of recommendation which can be emailed directly to Kristy Bennett (kristybennett@purdue.edu) from the letter writers.
Applicants may apply
If you are external to Purdue, apply here: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Clinical-Assistant-Professor-of-Social-Studies-Education/39055-en_US/
If you are internal to Purdue, apply here: https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Clinical-Assistant-Professor-of-Social-Studies-Education/39055-en_US/?isInternalUser=true
Background Check
A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Social Studies Education Program Area
The Social Studies Education program area within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction contributes to Purdue’s priorities in discovery, learning, and engagement within the College of Education. The program offers prospective researchers/scholars, teacher educators, and P-12 educators the opportunity to investigate contemporary issues in social studies education research and theory as well as pedagogical methods related to social studies learning, teaching, assessment, and curriculum. Faculty members are committed to creating and disseminating knowledge relevant to the discipline of social studies education, preparing scholars, educators, and leaders in social studies education on the local, national, and international levels; and promoting access to social studies for all learners. https://education.purdue.edu/undergraduate-students/prospective-students/majors/social-studies-education/
College of Education
The College of Education aspires to be a collaborative community. Indeed, our tagline is “Small college experience in a Big Ten environment.” We are innovators discovering new ideas and solutions that will foster a positive global impact for faculty, staff, students, and community. Successful candidates will promote inclusive excellence and encourage freedom of thought and speech.
Purdue University
PURDUE UNIVERSITY is a leading land grant and research university established in 1869 and ranks among the 12 largest universities in the nation. The university has an enrollment of more than 57,000 students on the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campus locations. The original campus is located in West Lafayette, IN, one hour northwest of Indianapolis and two hours southeast of Chicago. The Greater Lafayette area, located in Tippecanoe County, is one of the fastest growing communities in the Midwest with over 191,000 residents. ‘Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette’ and ‘Greater Lafayette Commerce’ are excellent resources that highlight our distinctive and welcoming community.
Equal Opportunity
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.