Job Description
The Department of Education Policy & Leadership at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in K-12 Education. This is a tenure-track position slated to begin in August of 2026. SMU's Department of Education Policy & Leadership (EPL) is a dynamic, inclusive, and collegial environment where research, policy, and practice are valued in the preparation of future leaders in both K-12 and higher education contexts. Our highly productive faculty has diversity of expertise and pursues a wide range of research focused on leadership, policy, district and community partnerships, and K-12 practice.
We seek applicants who have an earned doctorate in educational leadership, policy, administration, or a related field and have a research agenda explicitly focused on leadership. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, maintaining an active research agenda, seeking external funding, teaching courses in the doctorate of education (Ed.D.), master's of education programs, and/or Ph.D. program, advising Ed.D. and Ph.D. dissertations, and providing service to the program, department, college, university, and community.
Required Qualifications:
* Earned doctorate in K-12 educational leadership, policy, administration, or a related discipline by August 1, 2026.
* Expertise that contributes to our understanding of K-12 educational leadership, including (but not limited to): school, district, or community leadership; school improvement; and/or organizational development.
*Preferred Qualifications *(expectations for each are commensurate with candidate's rank)*:*
* Experience and commitment to teaching, advising, and/or mentoring graduate students.
* Demonstrated record of seeking and/or securing research funding.
* Experience as a leader, broadly defined, is preferred; other K-12 practitioner experiences are also valued.
* Evidence of participation and/or service in the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) or the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Division A.
Application Procedure:
Applicants should submit their materials online at [
The application materials should include:
* A cover letter highlighting the candidate's qualifications with specific reference to research and teaching experience/approach
* Curriculum vitae
* One writing sample in the form of a published article, submitted manuscript, or manuscript in preparation
* Name, title, and contact information (email address) for three references.
For questions or to discuss the position, contact the search chair, Dr. Alexandra Pavlakis ([pavlakis@smu.edu](mailto:pavlakis@smu.edu)). The search committee will begin reviewing applications October 1, 2025 and the position will remain open until filled. The start date for the position is Fall 2026. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
*About Southern Methodist University*
SMU is an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of teachers and scholars that values diverse research and creative agendas. The University is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. Explore SMU at [ SMU is situated in the heart of Dallas, a culturally rich arts and global business center, is home to many universities, arts organizations and Fortune 500 companies.
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [accessequity@smu.edu](mailto:accessequity@smu.edu).
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