Assistant Professor - Health and Physical Education, K-12, Department of Health and Human Performance chez University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

The Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) invites applicants for the position of Assistant Professor in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) K-12 program, with the anticipated start date of August 1, 2026.

Anticipated hiring range commensurate with qualifications: $65,000 - $68,000

Position Description/Duty Summary

Successful (ideal) candidates will possess the following requirements:

• A PhD or EdD in Health and Physical Education (HPE) for K-12 school settings or a closely related field.

Instruction

• Teach undergraduate courses in HPE and related areas.
• Apply a variety of instruction modalities, including online instruction.
• Contribute to curricular development and program assessment.
• Manage an advising case load of HPE K-12 students.
• Supervise field experiences and student research.

Scholarship

• Develop and maintain an active research agenda within the field.
• Dissemination of research through publications and presentations.
• Pursue funding options (internal and external).

Service

• Provide service to the department, college, university, profession, and community.
• Engage in assisting the UTC campus in its ability to reach additional goals as specified in UTC’s Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with faculty across the department, university, and school-based (regional K-12) partners.

Minimum or Required Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Health and Physical Education, Physical Education Teacher Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.
  • ABD candidates will be considered; the doctorate must be awarded within twelve months of the first semester of employment.
• Ability to teach introductory/advanced courses in health and physical education pedagogy, elementary and secondary physical education methods, and other courses supporting the HPE K-12 concentration.
• Subject matter expertise within HPE or closely related field.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in HPE K-12 pedagogy and related areas.
• Strong potential for scholarly productivity and research agenda aligned with HPE.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with diverse groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An effective record of teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in health and physical education pedagogy, elementary and secondary physical education methods, and other courses supporting the HPE K-12 concentration.
• Experience teaching health and physical education in a K-12 school setting.
• Experience with accreditation processes (e.g., CAEP, state licensure).
• Record of scholarly activity, publications, or creative works.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology and innovative instructional methods.
• Active involvement in professional organizations related to health and physical education.

Application Procedures:

Applicants must submit the following materials electronically: 

• Letter of interest addressing qualifications and teaching/research interests
• Curriculum vitae with current contact information
• Unofficial transcripts
• Statement of teaching philosophy (1–2 pages)
• Statement of research agenda (1–2 pages)
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.  Application review will begin on January 4, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Marisa Colston, PhD, ATC; [email protected].

About the University and Community

U.S. News and World Report, Money Magazine, and Southern Living (to name a few!) for its unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Nestled between scenic Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers breathtaking natural beauty, lively city amenities, and a small-town feel.

Our city has it all, with historic cultural institutions like the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, iconic attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, opportunities for epic outdoor adventures, and eclectic contemporary art, music, and food scene.

Chattanooga's robust economy fosters an environment where tech start-ups thrive alongside established industries and corporations. It is where innovation meets tradition, creating endless opportunities for growth and success.

UTC embodies Chattanooga’s dynamic spirit, serving as one of the city’s most vital institutions where progressive transformation and community thrive. UTC is where Chattanooga goes to build the future.