Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

About the Department of Art 

The Department of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers post-secondary education in a full range of disciplines that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, animation, intermedia, design and technology, and art education. Interdisciplinary study is at the core of our philosophy, and we encourage students to pursue experience across art disciplines, as well as exploring the diverse fields of arts, humanities, and sciences open to them at this premier research university. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program tailored to students who plan to become 21st century professional artists and designers, and a Bachelor of Arts degree for majors seeking the broadest available liberal arts education. Future primary and secondary school art teachers are comprehensively prepared in our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education program.

The UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art program is a three-year immersive course of study for post-graduates who wish to expand their critical thinking and disciplinary techniques, and develop the experience needed for careers in academics. We also offer a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education for prospective and current teachers to engage in advanced professional development.

Our campus hosts five galleries dedicated to exhibitions of student and professional work.  Situated in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, UMass is an ideal base from which students may join the rich creative community of artists and craftspeople who live and work in this area.

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.

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.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $100,098 for this position. Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Application Instructions

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

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.

Additional Information

Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.

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

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

Position is dependent on available funding.

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