Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education (Graduate Level)

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The National College of Education at National Louis University seeks a knowledgeable, experienced educator for a full-time, 10-month faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. The role teaches graduate students in special education master’s and licensure pathways, preparing current and prospective special educators to build strong foundations in culturally sustaining classroom instruction and assessment. The successful candidate will use disability-affirming teaching and curriculum development and contribute service to the program and college. Candidates should be effective working with students from different backgrounds, understand special education laws and regulations, have classroom experience, and know current trends such as high-leverage teaching practices. The ideal candidate will develop a research agenda advancing social and educational justice for students with disabilities. The faculty member will teach 24 semester hours of graduate courses across Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. The position includes developing and teaching core special education and related courses; fostering inclusive learning; advising and mentoring graduate students; contributing to program improvement, recruitment, and accreditation; and serving the college, university, community, and profession. The faculty member will support efforts to advance educational justice through curriculum development and institutional initiatives, maintain community and school partnerships, and collaborate on curriculum, courses, grant proposals, and extracurricular activities. The role also requires maintaining expertise in special education research, policy, and practice. National Louis University describes its National College of Education as focused on preparing teachers and educational leaders through progressive, practice-oriented programs. The university states a commitment to access, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Special Education or a related Education or Learning field. Applicants who are ABD may be considered with administrative approval if they demonstrate documented progress and can successfully defend their dissertation by August 2027.
At least 5 years of PreK–22 teaching experience across various special education settings.
Demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to advancing equity initiatives within an educational setting.
Ability to integrate pedagogies aligned with the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience with assistive and instructional technology.
Experience teaching online, virtual/hybrid, and in-person/on-campus.
Expertise teaching literacy, math, and practicum courses required in the programs.
Experience working with students with high- and low-incidence disability designations at the PreK–22 level.
Expertise in Practice-Based Teaching (PBT) and High-Leverage and Evidence-based Practices (HLPs).
Experience with collaborative, participatory, community, or action research methodologies and practices.

Responsibilities

Teach 24 semester hours of graduate courses across Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.
Develop and teach core special education and related courses.
Create and foster an inclusive learning environment for students.
Advise and mentor graduate students on academic and professional goals.
Contribute to program improvement and development, recruitment, and accreditation efforts.
Serve the college through committee work and contribute service to the university, community, and profession.
Support and lead efforts to address educational justice using an intersectional lens, including curriculum improvement and development and participation in relevant committees, initiatives, and activities.
Maintain and enhance community engagement and partnerships with community agencies and schools, working with faculty, leaders, students, school personnel, and community organization leaders.
Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum and course development, grant proposals, and extracurricular activities.
Maintain expertise in special education research, policy, and practice, and engage in professional-practice thought leadership.