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 full-time, 10-month faculty member at the Assistant/Associate Professor rank to teach in its graduate special education programs. The programs offer pathways to master's degrees and/or licensure, including MEd and MAT programs. The faculty member will prepare current and prospective special educators to develop culturally sustaining instruction and assessment, and will engage in disability-affirming teaching and curriculum development, student advising and mentoring, and service to the program, college, university, community, and profession. The role includes teaching 24 semester hours of graduate courses across Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. Faculty will develop and teach core special education and related courses, foster an inclusive learning environment, and advise graduate students on academic and professional goals. The position also involves program improvement and development, recruitment and accreditation, educational justice initiatives, community engagement and school partnerships, and professional-practice thought leadership. Faculty collaborate on curriculum, courses, grant proposals, and extracurricular activities and maintain expertise in special education research, policy, and practice. The successful candidate will be an accomplished educator with classroom experience, a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations, and knowledge of current practices such as high-leverage teaching practices. They will work effectively with students from different backgrounds and contribute to a research agenda that furthers social and educational justice for students with disabilities. Applicants who are ABD may be considered subject to administrative approval if they show documented progress and can successfully defend their dissertation by August 2027.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Special Education or a related Education or Learning field; ABD applicants may be considered with administrative approval if they demonstrate documented progress and can 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 in an educational setting.
Integration of pedagogies aligned with the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) standards.
Classroom experience and a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations.
Knowledge of current trends in special education, such as high-leverage teaching practices.
Ability to work effectively with students from different backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with assistive and instructional technology.
Experience teaching online, virtual/hybrid, and in-person/on-campus.
Expertise teaching literacy, math, and required practicum courses.
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 while fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Advise and mentor graduate students on academic and professional goals.
Contribute service to program improvement and development, recruitment, and accreditation efforts.
Serve the college, university, community, and profession, including through committee work.
Support and lead course, department, college, and university efforts to advance educational justice using an intersectional lens.
Contribute to curriculum improvement and development and initiatives that advance accessible education for all students.
Maintain and enhance community engagement and partnerships with schools and community agencies; build relationships with administrators, teachers, and community organization leaders alongside colleagues, leadership, and students.
Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum and course development, grant proposals, and extracurricular activities.
Maintain expertise in special education research, policy, and practice.
Use current research to inform instruction and model research methodologies, while supporting candidates as practitioner researchers.