University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Description

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art Education beginning August 1, 2026. We are seeking candidates with significant research, teaching, and service experience preparing pre-service art teachers to engage learners with diverse cognitive, sensory, physical, and socio-emotional needs in K-12 settings. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence, modeling inclusive pedagogic practices, knowledge of current theories and practices within the field of Art Education, and sensitivity to the urgent issues of our time.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will be responsible for: teaching undergraduate courses in art education, overseeing the Art Education area, and mentoring student majors. Successful candidates may act as supervisor for student teachers and work with the School of Education on assessment. The candidate should expect to teach coursework both in art education and in at least one additional area that serves the Department’s BFA and BA curricula. The position carries a 3/3 teaching load if the additional area is lecture-based or a 3/2 if the additional area is studio-based. The candidate will have the opportunity to serve in a clinical supervisory role for art education students in residence (student teaching).

Salary is $61,000 and includes a full benefits package along with access to professional development funds within the department and competitive college- and university-level grants for research and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Mentor undergraduate students pursuing the BA in Art: Art Education.
• Teach specialized materials and procedures courses in art education, as well as complementary coursework in support of the Department’s degree offerings including BA degrees in Art History and Studio Art, and BFA concentrations in Painting and Drawing, Photography and Media Art, Sculpture, and Design Research and Practice. Classes will be taught in a Face-to-Face modality.
• Maintain a productive research program and/or creative practice.
• Support operations as an active participant in departmental, university, community, and professional service activities.

Application Instructions

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D., Ed.D., or MFA with a demonstrable focus in art education
• University-level teaching experience as instructor of record
• An active record of dissemination of research and/or creative work
• Familiarity with performance-based assessment and/or student-teacher supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience in a K-12 public school setting
• Eligibility for Tennessee licensure in art education
• Experience mentoring and advising students pursuing the undergraduate degree in art education

Application Materials

To apply, please submit two separate PDFs including:

PDF 1

• Cover letter describing professional background and interest in the position (1-2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Research statement
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts due upon hire)
• Names and complete contact information for three professional references (to be contacted for finalists)

PDF 2

• Student work samples (writing samples, lesson plans, artworks etc. Limit to 15 pages)
• Any additional evidence of teaching effectiveness such as student course evaluations, peer evaluations, or participation in professional development related to pedagogy
• Two sample syllabi for courses taught and/or prospective courses
• Sample of research and/or creative work (i.e., excerpts of book chapters, journal articles, and/or a portfolio of 10-15 artworks. Limit to 15 pages.)

Review of applications will begin immediately with preference given to applications received by January 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Questions regarding the position can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Professor Ron Buffington: ron-buffington@utc.edu

Applications must be submitted electronically through the UTC Faculty Career Site.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga proudly calls Chattanooga home—a city lauded by U.S. News and World Report, Money Magazine and Southern Living (to name a few!) for its unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Nestled between scenic Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers breathtaking natural beauty, lively city amenities and a small-town feel.

Our city has it all, with historic cultural institutions like the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, iconic attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, opportunities for epic outdoor adventures, and an eclectic contemporary art, music and food scene.

Chattanooga's robust economy fosters an environment where tech start-ups thrive alongside established industries and corporations. It’s where innovation meets tradition, creating endless opportunities for growth and success.

UTC embodies Chattanooga’s dynamic spirit, serving as one of the city’s most vital institutions where progressive transformation and community thrive. UTC is where Chattanooga goes to build the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5824. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at (423) 425-5760.