Job Details

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Simmons University
  • Position Number: 2251227
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Position Type: Liberal Arts - English and Literature


Part-Time Contract Faculty (NTT) in Childrens Literature

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R07521

The Children's Literature graduate degree (MA and MFA) programs in the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts and Humanities at Simmons University in Boston is seeking a one-year part-time teaching contract appointment for the 2021-22 academic year. The teaching load will be four courses across the academic year. The rank of this non-tenure track position will be determined at time of hire.

We are seeking a versatile scholar of literature for children and young adults at ease with theory-driven graduate seminars with students across professional practices. The candidate will have a record of strong teaching and eagerness to engage in implementing curricular change after a program review. We welcome candidates with a demonstrated ability to extend our professional connections throughout the vibrant children's and young adult literature publishing, writing, and reviewing communities with whom the Children's Literature Department interacts.

This unique graduate program was the first of its kind to attend solely to works published for young people and has grown to embrace dual degree programs that combine humanities and liberal arts inquiry with specific professional credentials. Founded with funds from the National Endowment of the Humanities, the program benefits from deep connections in the publishing industry, vital partnerships with The Horn Book (on campus) and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (in Amherst), and houses the Center for the Study of Children's Literature for research and biennial summer institutes.

Successful candidates will have experience in historical material and contemporary works published for readers through age 18 and will be adept at teaching theory and genre courses. Candidates should bring a wide range of knowledge as well as a particular area of expertise in the field. Courses might include an undergraduate survey of literature for children and young adults and core courses in young adult realism, critical theory, historical works, or studies in the picturebook. Additionally, we seek the ability to employ perspectives from critical race studies, ecocriticism and environmental justice, and queer studies.

Duties include teaching four courses per year, remaining current and engaged in the field, advising students, and serving on committees that advance the mission of the institution.

We have a strong preference for faculty accomplished in the teaching of writing and argument. The four-course load will involve two- three core and elective courses in Children's Literature. The position may include teaching the Carle Museum. In addition, directing the 2022 Summer Institute in Children's Literature is a possibility.

The ideal candidate brings an interdisciplinarity to their work and welcomes the cross-professional engagement that characterizes our graduate programs in Children's Literature.

Minimum Qualification

1. Ph.D. preferred. ABD, MA, or MFA considered

2. Demonstrated record of quality teaching at the college level

Required Application Materials

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, submit the following materials online at jobs.simmons.edu:
  • a cover letter describing their interest in the position, teaching experience and philosophy, research interests, and commitment to diversity;
  • a current CV;
  • and a list of three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for short-listed candidates.


Please address any questions to Cathryn M. Mercier, Chair and Director of Graduate Programs in Children's Literature at cathryn.mercier@simmons.edu.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the "Resume/CV" box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Part-Time-Contract-Faculty--NTT--in-Children-s-Literature_R07521

Located in Bostons historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.