Goodnight Distinguished Professor

Primary Purpose of the Position

The Goodnight Distinguished Professor (DP) of Early Literacy (Goodnight Professor) at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will join seven other distinguished professors to serve as a network of early literacy expertise with the purpose of advancing the University of North Carolina System’s current literacy initiatives across 15 educator preparation programs, through engaging in outreach and dissemination of best practice. The Goodnight Distinguished Professors may serve on statewide literacy committees in an advisory capacity to elevate how UNC System institutions are ensuring the production of well-prepared teachers of reading.

In addition, the cadre of professors will enhance partnerships with school districts across North Carolina to foster collaboration between teacher education programs and current teachers in the field. The Goodnight Professor will be assigned to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for the purpose of establishing scalable programs to ensure the preparation of teacher candidates in evidence-based practices in literacy instruction aligned with the University of North Carolina System Literacy Framework, and to expand continuing support for teachers of reading.

The Goodnight Professor will collaborate with literacy faculty in the Birth‑Kindergarten, Elementary, and Special Education programs at NCCU.

The DP Candidate should have a proven track record of teaching evidence-based early literacy practices, currently known as “the science of reading,” within a teacher education or P12 setting; and who can demonstrate the articulation of current reading research into effective classroom practice. Additionally, the candidate must have an earned doctorate in Elementary Education, Reading/Literacy, Early Childhood, Special Education, or a closely related field from an accredited university and the ability to hold a faculty rank of tenured Full Professor.

Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of and respect for equity, social justice, and belonging among students and colleagues, and will be encouraged to help advance these goals. The SOE places great emphasis on these values.