Visiting Assistant Professor - Civic Foundations and Leadership

About the role

The College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts at East Texas A&M University invites applications for a temporary, non-tenure-track Visiting Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026. The appointment is for one academic year and may be renewed for an additional year based on program needs and performance. This position will support the launch and growth of the university's emerging Civic Foundations and Leadership initiative and contribute to the Human Experience Core curriculum. The university seeks a teacher-scholar committed to excellent undergraduate instruction, meaningful student engagement, and collaborative program development within a dynamic and mission-driven academic environment. The university anticipates conducting a national search for a tenure-track position connected to Civic Foundations and Leadership during the following academic year. Candidates appointed to this visiting position will be eligible to apply. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES : The Visiting Assistant Professor will: Teach three courses per semester (3-3 load) in Civic Foundations, Human Experience, and related coursework Teach discussion-centered undergraduate courses enrolling approximately 35-50 students per section Assist with programmatic initiatives connected to civic foundations, civil discourse, leadership, and student engagement Contribute to curriculum development and assessment efforts Participate in public events, outreach activities, and co-curricular programming Advise and mentor undergraduate students Maintain regular office hours and participate in departmental and program meetings Programmatic responsibilities may include support for lectures, student programming, community engagement initiatives, and collaboration across academic disciplines related to civic foundations and leadership. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS : - Ph.D. completed by August 2026 in Political Science, History, Philosophy, Government, Humanities, Classics, Leadership Studies, or a closely related field - Demonstrated potential for effective undergraduate teaching - Interest in civic foundations, civil discourse, political ideas, leadership, or the liberal arts tradition PREFERRED EDUCATION/ SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE : - Experience teaching discussion-based or cross-disciplinary undergraduate courses - Ability to engage students in constructive dialogue across differing perspectives - Interest in civic education, constitutionalism, political thought, ethics, rhetoric, or historical inquiry - Experience with student programming, public humanities, or civic engagement initiatives Application Instructions : Applicants should submit: Cover letter Curriculum vitae Statement of teaching philosophy Evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available) Contact information for three professional references About the Program : The Civic Foundations and Leadership initiative at East Texas A&M University seeks to cultivate informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through rigorous engagement with foundational ideas, historical experience, leadership, and civil discourse. The program emphasizes close reading, broad inquiry, and constructive dialogue concerning enduring questions of political and civic life. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or ot