Assistant Teaching Professor – Agricultural & Work-based Learning Education

About the Job

Located in the Division of Applied Economics and Agricultural Education, Communication, and Marketing, St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota, this is a full-time, 9-month, annually renewable, non-tenure track Teaching Assistant Professor position. The person in this position will develop and teach innovative and effective courses within the Agricultural Education program. Emphasis will be on the delivery of core courses for the Ag Ed major and the Ag Ed M.S. program leading to teacher licensure. Promotional opportunities exist within an established teaching track. Candidates will be expected to teach a minimum of 18 credits per year, with the typical load being 6 courses per year. Opportunities exist to engage in research during the summer months.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses for students pursuing teacher licensure (grades 5–12), work-based learning coordination, and advanced study in formal and non-formal educational settings. Assigned courses may include:
  • Introduction to Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing
  • Designing Curriculum & Instruction for Agricultural Education
  • Instructional Methodology for Agricultural Education
  • Agricultural Education Teaching Seminar
  • Education Across Contexts
  • Advanced Learning & Curriculum for Agricultural Education
  • Experiential Learning in Agricultural Education
• Design and propose innovative, interdisciplinary courses that expand access to teaching and learning content across CFANS. These courses may support the Agriculture and Food Education minor and the Advanced Studies and Research major, generating student credit hours while preparing students for careers in education, leadership, community engagement, and industry.
• Coordinate and supervise licensure-related field experiences, including identification and support of host teachers, alignment with PELSB and University requirements, and a minimum of five formal observation visits per student teacher. Serve as a faculty advisor to undergraduate and graduate students, including those engaged in research.
• Provide academic leadership and internal service by participating in department, college, and university committees. Expected service roles include Director of Undergraduate Studies, Co-Licensure Program Lead, and advisor to student organizations (e.g., AECM Club, Alpha Tau Alpha).
• Engage with external stakeholders and professional networks to advance the mission of Agricultural Education in Minnesota and beyond. This includes involvement with state and national organizations such as the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE), Minnesota FFA Foundation, and Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC), as well as potential contributions to the Minnesota AFNR Teacher Induction Program (TIP) and the Global Teach Ag Network.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Agricultural Education or a closely related field, with at least 18 graduate credits in Agricultural Education if not the primary discipline
• Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed 5–12 school-based agriculture teacher, including completion of an accredited teacher education program.
• Holds or has held a professional-level Agricultural Education teaching license (Tier 3 or Tier 4 equivalent).
• Recent experience (within the past three years) in a 5–12 school setting through teaching, supervision, mentoring, or research.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and advising diverse undergraduate and graduate learners across multiple instructional formats (in-person, online, hybrid)
• Clear commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered teaching.

Desired Qualifications

• Licensed Teacher Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and/or CASE-certified.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and advising postsecondary and adult learners, including effective use of traditional, hybrid, and online instructional technologies.
• Proven innovation and leadership in teacher preparation, professional development, and curriculum design.
• Strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with diverse learners, stakeholders, and outreach initiatives.

About the Department

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing (AECM) program is housed within the Division of Applied Economics and Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota. For over a century, AECM has been committed to preparing high-quality agricultural educators, communicators, and leaders who serve across public and private sectors.

At the undergraduate level, the program offers majors in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communication & Marketing, along with minors in Agricultural & Food Education and Agricultural & Environmental Science Communication. Graduate offerings include the Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication, which emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that blends educational theory, technical skill development, and leadership. Students may also pursue a Ph.D. specialization in Agricultural Education through the College of Education and Human Development’s STEM Education program.

Rooted in the core values of Integrity, Innovation, Community, and Collaboration, Agricultural Education at the University of Minnesota prepares masterful educators and lifelong learners in agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) education. The program’s conceptual framework emphasizes pedagogical content knowledge, contextualized experience, research-informed practice, reflective teaching, and equity-driven approaches. These principles equip students to succeed as educators and leaders—whether in classrooms, boardrooms, laboratories, or communities—across Minnesota and beyond.

Located in the heart of the Twin Cities, CFANS is uniquely positioned at the intersection of urban opportunity and rural richness. Minnesota is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic agricultural economies in the nation, offering students exposure to global agribusiness firms, cutting-edge urban food systems, and robust rural production systems. From grain, dairy, and livestock to sustainable forestry and natural resource stewardship, CFANS provides a vibrant environment for innovative teaching, research, and outreach.

To learn more about the Agricultural Education program, visit: http://ag-ed.cfans.umn.edu

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $79,000 – $84,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 9 month

Position Type: Faculty

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online at https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job. Search for job requisition 368790.

A complete application must include:

1. Letter of application outlining your vision for the position and how your background supports your candidacy
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Teaching philosophy statement
4. Names and email addresses of three professional references (references will only be contacted for finalists)

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A cover letter and CV must be submitted with the online application. Additional materials may be uploaded or sent to the search email below. Inquiries are welcome by email, but formal application through the online system is required.

Screening begins June 25, 2025 and continues until the position is filled. Preferred start date is fall 2025. Later start date may be negotiable.

Dr. Amy R. Smith

Associate Professor and Search Committee Chair

Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing

University of Minnesota

1994 Buford Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55108

aecmsearch@umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Read Full Description