Job ID: 61763

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Institute for Governance and Civics, Provost Office

Responsibilities

The Florida Institute for Governance and Civics is seeking up to two scholar-practitioners who can teach across the program’s core curriculum and mentor students preparing for positions as in teaching and leadership in K–12 classical schools, policy organizations, think tanks, or higher education.

Teaching Responsibilities
The faculty member will teach four courses per semester (4/4 load). Potential teaching assignments may include:
•    Foundations of Classical Education: History and Philosophy, Part I (antiquity through Renaissance; primary texts: Quintilian, Hugh of St. Victor, Boethius, Erasmus)
•    Foundations of Classical Education: History and Philosophy, Part II (Enlightenment to 20th-century renewal; Rousseau, Newman, Dewey, Sayers, Hicks, Adler)
•    The Science of Learning in Classical Education (trivium/quadrivium + cognitive science)
•    Socratic Inquiry and the Formation of Affections 
•    Learning and Liberty (debates on policy, curriculum, citizenship; Ravitch, Friedman, Hirsch)
•    Policy and Practice in Education (capstone internship supervision; 120-hour placements)

Courses emphasize Socratic seminars, close reading, oral defense, and evidence-based argumentation. The candidate will also advise senior projects and contribute to program development.
 

Qualifications

•    Ph.D. in Education, Philosophy, Classics, Cognitive Science, or related field (by August 2026)
•    Experience teaching Socratic seminar or leading text-based discussions
 

Preferred Qualifications

•    Expertise in primary texts of classical pedagogy (Quintilian, Hugh of St. Victor, Erasmus, Hicks, Sayers, Adler)
•    Familiarity with cognitive science of learning (Willingham, Bjork, Sweller, Ruiz Martín)
•    Practical experience in classical K–12 schools (teaching, administration, curriculum design)
•    Policy engagement (e.g., school choice, accreditation, parental rights)
•    Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration (philosophy, psychology, political science)
 

Other Information

Research Opportunities (Optional but Encouraged) 
While this is a teaching-focused faculty position, candidates with an active research agenda in classical education are welcome to pursue scholarship in areas such as:
•    intersections of cognitive science and the trivium/quadrivium
•    historical recovery of liberal arts pedagogy
•    policy analysis of school choice, curriculum wars, or character formation
•    Socratic methods and moral imagination
Support is available for peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public scholarship (e.g., op-eds, policy briefs), including collaboration with the Institute for Governance and Civics and potential grant opportunities.
 

Contact Info

The Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) at Florida State University is a dynamic hub dedicated to revitalizing civic education and advancing the principles of liberty through rigorous scholarship, innovative programs, and public engagement. Launching a new Civics and Liberty Studies degree in Fall 2026—with concentrations in Constitutional, Economic, Conscience, and Educational Liberty—the IGC fosters interdisciplinary inquiry into American founding ideals, constitutional governance, and policy innovations. As a potential applicant to our Education Liberty faculty position, you'll join a collaborative team hosting speaker series, K-12 initiatives like the National Civics Bee, and research projects funded by major grants, empowering students to become principled leaders in education, policy, and civic life.

Questions may be directed to Ryan Owens at ryan.owens@fsu.edu 

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://hr.fsu.edu/facultyjobs. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.

Candidates will be asked to submit the following application materials:
1.    Cover letter addressing fit with program mission and teaching portfolio
2.    Curriculum vitae
3.    Teaching statement (2 pp.) with sample syllabi or seminar plans
4.    Three references

Considerations

This is a Faculty position. 

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.