Tenure Track Faculty Position
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Studies (Specialization: STEAM Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education PK-3rd grade)
College of Education and Integrative Studies
Salary Range: $86,520 - $90,852
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in the Department of Early Childhood Studies Cal Poly Pomona is one of three polytechnic universities in the 22-campus California State University system and among 12 such institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1938, Cal Poly Pomona students participate in an integrative experiential learning education that is inclusive, relevant, and values diverse perspectives and experiences. With a variety of degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines, the university is well known for its learn- by-doing approach and Teacher Scholar Model.
The university is noted for its scenic and historic 1,400-acre campus, which was once the winter ranch of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. We acknowledge that Cal Poly Pomona resides on the territorial and homelands of the Tongva and Tataavium people who are the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar. The university’s nearly 30,000 students are taught and mentored by the campus’s more than 1,400 faculty as part of 54 baccalaureate and 29 master’s degree programs, 11 credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Highly regarded among its peer institutions, Cal Poly Pomona is No. 2 in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of top public regional universities in the west and was named the No. 28 best value college in the nation by Money Magazine. Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, stands as a national leader in promoting social mobility, and was placed among the 25 top institutions in the country in awarding bachelor’s degrees to minoritized students by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. In 2022, the campus launched the Black Thriving Initiative recognizing that Cal Poly Pomona’s future as a university is linked to the success of its Black community. More information about our Principles of Community can be found here.
The Cal Poly Pomona campus is located less than 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It is within an hour’s drive of beaches, mountains and deserts. For additional information about the university, please visit www.cpp.edu, and for more about faculty life, please see YourLife@CPP.
Student Population. Cal Poly Pomona is the number one polytechnic university in the nation for student diversity and economic mobility. Our caring and inclusive campus community is committed to helping anyone who dreams of success achieve it. In Fall 2024, Cal Poly Pomona served more than 25,000 students and close to 2,000 graduate students, mostly residents of California. Over half of Cal Poly Pomona students are first-generation college students, 70% receive financial aid, and 42% are low-income students. The university enrolls 57% percent of historically underrepresented students. Our diverse student body identifies as 54% Hispanic/Latinx, 21% Asian, 13% White, 4% two or more races, 3% unknown, 2% African American/Black, 2% International, less than 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and less than 1% Native American. Forty-five percent of students enroll in our STEM majors and our top five enrolled programs across the university include mechanical engineering, computer science, civil engineering, psychology, as well as finance, real estate, and law.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly Pomona is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Pomona, excellence is built on talent, merit, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
College of Education and Integrative Studies (CEIS):
College of Education and Integrative Studies (CEIS) is a learning community focused on meeting the present and future needs of students in its communities. The college educates students to become highly qualified and significant leaders in society. It is committed to the principles of diversity, ethics and social justice, and life-long learning. Central to the college’s mission is innovation and integrative thinking, reflective practice, collaborative action, and learning by doing. The college’s four departments include two undergraduate degrees and academic programs—Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Studies—and two graduate departments—Education and Educational Leadership. There are 1,376 students enrolled and 41 faculty in the college.
Department of Department of Early Childhood Studies:
The ECS department benefits from a diverse community reflective of the greater Los Angeles area. Our student body is over seventy-five percent students of color and over seventy percent first-generation. The department reflects our geographical context as one of the most linguistically, culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse regions in the U.S. The ECS department recognizes historical, systemic, and present conditions that marginalize children, families, and communities, through intersecting oppressive constructs and systems across race, language, culture, class, religion, and disability. We are committed to transforming the consequences of the legal and social formation of racism and intersecting forms of oppression through antiracist and decolonial pedagogy, linguistically and culturally sustaining approaches, and by advancing social justice and equity in early childhood education.
Position description:
The Early Childhood Studies Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin the academic year of 2026-2027. We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated experience through research, practice, or methodological expertise in PK–3 preparation using geographic information systems (GIS) or emerging technologies, particularly in areas such as STEAM learning, spatial literacy, and the integration of tools like GIS and other developmentally appropriate technologies; a formal degree in this area is not required, but the ability to use and have proficient knowledge of GIS technology is required.
We seek an individual with expertise in STEAM Early Childhood Education (or elementary education in STEAM) who possesses a doctorate in Early Childhood Studies, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field. A demonstrated commitment to culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy, anti-racism, and equity in early childhood is required. The position's responsibilities will be primarily to teach, advise students, engage in scholarship leading to publications, and provide service that includes the early childhood broader professional community. Applicants who are ABD will be considered with the understanding that they must have a conferred doctorate prior to the start date.
Minimum requirements include:
- Earned doctorate in Early Childhood Studies, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction or a closely related field from an accredited university by August 2026;
- Evidence of at least one year of classroom teaching experience in PK- 3; and
- Evidence of the following:
- Commitment to social justice, linguistically, and culturally responsive early childhood practices.
- Evidence of demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence.
- Evidence of ongoing scholarly research in field
- Evidence of the above listed items should be provided in one or more of the following required documents: Cover Letter, Research Statement and/or Teaching Philosophy.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience, through teaching or research, in PK–3 teacher preparation that integrates spatial thinking, spatial reasoning, or spatial literacy in STEM or STEAM contexts.
- Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines (e.g., special education, social work, public health) to create integrated approaches to early childhood education;
- Evidence of ongoing scholarship related to Early Childhood Education;
- Active participation in Early Childhood/Child Development professional associations and/ or networks related to area of expertise;
- Experience working with or building partnerships with local schools, families, and community organizations to enhance early childhood education outcomes and advocate for equity;
- Experience with teaching credential/licensure teacher preparation coursework;
- Experience teaching in higher education;
- Evidence of teaching excellence;
Application Process:
A completed application will consist of:
- Cover letter in which you describe your interest in the position, relevant experience, and how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications;
- Teaching Philosophy statement (2-page max) that addresses Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to excellence in education (see above).
- Curriculum vitae;
- Research Statement highlighting your agenda and accomplishments (2 pages max);
- The names and contact information for at least three individuals that can serve as references;
- Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, official transcripts will be required of finalists);
Finalists for the position will:
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- Be required to provide official transcripts for highest degree before the on-campus interview;
- Final candidates being interviewed are expected to make a presentation of their research and engage in a teaching demonstration to faculty and students.
- The position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to completed applications received no later than November 6, 2026.
- Please direct inquiries to either Dr. Marisol Diaz or Dr. Eden Haywood-Bird, Search Committee Co-Chairs at marisoldiaz1@cpp.edu or ehaywoodbird@cpp.edu respectively.
Applications accepted only via PageUp—online application portal—for University hires.
Disclosures
Education Code 89521 Requirements:
Pursuant to Education Code 89521 applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Background Check:
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed. Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Out of State Employment:
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.
Mandated Reporter:
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
International Candidates:
Cal Poly Pomona is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established under the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Cal Poly Pomona is able to consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B based on the current determination that the fee does not apply. For questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at avpfa@cpp.edu. We strongly recommend that faculty review their individual circumstances carefully with their personal immigration legal counsel.
Clery Act:
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Fire Safety Report.
Reasonable Accommodation:
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.
Other Notices:
For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona’s Employment Notices web page.