Assistant Professor- Special Education

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

The Programs in Special Education within the Department of Literacy Leadership Development and Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University invite applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Special Education beginning August 2027.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty committed to preparing highly skilled reflective and equity-minded special education professionals to serve students with disabilities and their families in diverse schools and communities. The Programs in Special Education offer undergraduate graduate licensure and endorsement pathways including the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (LBS I) Master of Arts in Special Education (LBS I) and Master of Science in Special Education (LBS II).

The successful candidate should possess broad expertise in special education and the ability to contribute across undergraduate and graduate programs. Of particular interest are candidates whose professional experiences include special education administration educational leadership program development educator preparation or systems-level improvement in special education.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses (all campus locations and instructional modalities - online hybrid and in-person) across the Programs in Special Education including courses within the B.A. in Special Education M.A. in Special Education (LBS I) and M.S. in Special Education (LBS II) programs according to program needs and the candidates areas of expertise.
• Teach courses related to the characteristics and education of students with disabilities assessment evidence-based instructional practices behavioral support curriculum adaptation collaboration inclusive practices special education policy leadership and other areas represented within the Special Education curriculum.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship appropriate to a tenure-track faculty appointment resulting in peer-reviewed publications presentations and other scholarly or professional contributions.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate candidates and support candidates as they progress through academic clinical licensure and professional requirements.
• Participate in curriculum development program assessment and continuous program improvement.
• Contribute to program department college university and professional service.
• Collaborate with faculty school districts community partners and other stakeholders to strengthen educator preparation and professional learning opportunities.
• Participate in the development implementation and evaluation of clinical and field-based experiences in special education.
• Support educator preparation accreditation state approval licensure and program review activities.
• Contribute to recruitment retention and support initiatives for undergraduate and graduate candidates.
• Pursue opportunities for external funding grants partnerships and other initiatives that advance the mission and priorities of the Programs in Special Education and the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education.
• Participate actively in the shared governance and collaborative work of the Programs in Special Education and the Department of Literacy Leadership Development and Special Education.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or a closely related field such as Educational Psychology from an accredited institution; ABD candidates will be considered provided all requirements for the doctoral degree will be completed and the degree awarded no later than August 1 2027.
• Graduate preparation scholarship and/or professional experience demonstrating substantive expertise in special education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary evidence-based practices for educating students with disabilities in K12 settings.
• K12 teaching experience in special education preferably as a licensed special education teacher.
• Ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate and/or graduate courses within the Programs in Special Education
• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching scholarship and service within a diverse urban university environment.
• Evidence of the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with candidates faculty school professionals families and community partners from diverse backgrounds.

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating one or more of the following:

• Professional credentials licensure endorsements or substantial professional experience in special education administration or educational leadership with an explicit focus on special education programs and services.
• Experience serving students with disabilities across multiple instructional environments grade levels disability categories or service-delivery models.
• Experience developing or participating in externally funded grants or other sponsored projects in higher education or educator preparation.
• Experience with accreditation state program approval licensure review or continuous-improvement processes particularly those involving CAEP the Illinois State Board of Education the Council for Exceptional Children standards or comparable professional and governmental bodies.
• Higher education teaching experience particularly in undergraduate or graduate educator preparation programs.
• Experience supervising mentoring coaching or evaluating special education teachers related-service professionals or other school personnel.
• Experience with special education program administration compliance instructional leadership systems-level implementation or improvement initiatives within schools or school districts.
• Expertise related to advanced special education practice including curriculum adaptation behavioral intervention assessment inclusive education instructional technology or collaboration.
• Experience teaching or mentoring graduate candidates preparing for advanced leadership or specialist roles in special education.
• Evidence of successful scholarly activity including peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations.
• Experience using candidate program or outcome data for accreditation reporting program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing or revising university curricula academic programs endorsements certificates or educator preparation pathways.
• Experience establishing partnerships among universities schools districts professional organizations or community agencies.
• Demonstrated potential for leadership within university-based special education programs.

Application Materials: Applicants should submit:

• A letter of application addressing the qualifications and responsibilities of the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy and interests
• Statement of research/scholarly agenda
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness if available
• Graduate transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

Screening will begin immediately and will end when the position is filled.

The successful candidate must provide documentation verifying completion of the doctoral degree no later than August 1 2027. Additional materials may be requested from candidates advancing in the search process.

Programs in Special Education:

Northeastern Illinois University offers a comprehensive continuum of preparation in special education through its Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Special Education (LBS I) programs. Together these programs prepare candidates for initial Illinois teacher licensure and for effective practice with school-age students with a wide range of exceptional learning needs with emphasis on assessment instructional planning evidence-based instruction technology and inclusive educational practice.

The Master of Science in Special Education (LBS II) provides advanced preparation for experienced special educators seeking specialist and leadership expertise. Graduate candidates may pursue preparation in Curriculum Adaptation Specialist (CAS) Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) or both areas.

Faculty within the Programs in Special Education contribute across these programs and their campus locations as well as endorsement approval clinical and professional-development initiatives.

This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

65000 - 68000

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit ourEmployee Benefitspage to learn more about our comprehensive benefits packageincluding health dental and vision benefits sick and vacation days and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women Minorities Veterans and Persons with Disabilities as well as other qualified Illinois Universitys positions are contingent upon the Universitys receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.