Assistant Professor - Early Childhood Special Education

Utah State University•Vernal, UT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a specialization in Early Childhood (Birth to 5) Special Education. In partnership with Uintah School District, this position will be housed at the newly created Central Cove Early Learning Center on the USU Uintah Basin campus in Vernal, UT. In addition to the teaching and research responsibilities outlined below, this faculty member will work collaboratively with other faculty members at the USU Uintah Basin campus to provide leadership and support to district personnel at the Central Cove Early Learning Center. The mission of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at USU is to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities across educational, independent living, and employment domains by: 1) conducting research and outreach in collaboration with our community partners, 2) preparing high-quality professionals; and 3) identifying, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based practices. We seek candidates who are committed to fulfilling this mission and who wish to join an academic community that respects and supports the individual contributions of its members as we work towards our individual and collective goals. The major emphasis area of the position will be teaching, and the successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in the department’s online undergraduate and master’s programs. As research will also be a part of the role statement, the successful candidate will also be expected to establish an independent program of research that both sustains and elevates the department’s regional and national reputation. This is a full-time, 9-month academic year position located at the USU Uintah Basin campus in Vernal, UT. The position is not eligible for telework. Review of applicants will begin November 3, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2026. Inquiries may be directed to the committee chair, Dr. Sophia D’Agostino (435 797-3240 or [email protected] ).

Requirements

Doctorate in special education or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered.
Expertise in early childhood special education.
Direct service experience with individuals with disabilities.
A history of positive working relationships with teachers, clinicians, administrators, and faculty.
Evidence of potential to be a excellent college-level teacher.
Evidence of potential to be an effective, productive scholar and researcher.

Nice To Haves

Special education teaching experience in a public school setting.
Experience providing training and support to special education professionals and paraprofessionals within a public school setting.
BCBA-D certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (or eligibility for certification by the end of the first semester of employment).
Evidence of potential to obtain extramural funding for research and/or training activities.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling faculty including:
Teaching on-campus and distance undergraduate and/or graduate classes in early childhood special education
Supervising undergraduate and graduate student field experiences
Advising and mentoring graduate students
Providing leadership and support to Uintah School District staff at the Central Cove Early Learning Center
Carrying out an active line of research and publication on topics related to early childhood special education,=
Collaborating in department and university program development, and
Providing service to the department, university, community, state, and scholarly discipline as appropriate.