Assistant Professor in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Special Education

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

The School of Education at Colorado State University invites applications for a non-tenure-track, 9-month, full-time Assistant Professor position in elementary education with a specialization in special education. The appointment is effective August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will teach special education and elementary education courses in the new Elementary Education licensure program, supervise and advise teacher candidates, and collaborate with local partner schools to connect coursework with classroom practice. The role calls for a creative, collaborative educator committed to diverse learners, humanizing education, and the mission of the School of Education, who is willing to serve in varied roles as needed. Teaching duties include undergraduate special education methods and elementary education courses, such as literacy methods, reading instruction, and language arts, based on program needs and the candidate’s expertise. The position may also teach graduate-level courses, develop courses in areas of expertise, and supervise undergraduate practicum students and student teachers in field placements. Other duties include advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, collaborating with school and community partners, serving on faculty workgroups and committees at various levels, and supporting educator preparation and the School of Education through relevant scholarship. The position may require travel to local community partner locations. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for new hires. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license, be able to obtain one, or have access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in special education, elementary education, or a related field, conferred by the employment start date.
At least three years of teaching experience at the elementary or middle school level.
Experience teaching, mentoring, and/or supervising university-level pre-service teachers.
Valid driver’s license, ability to obtain a driver’s license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Successful completion of the required pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience and expertise teaching special education methods courses, such as special education assessment and data, differentiation, or foundations of elementary special education.
Certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA or BCBA-D).
Teaching experience in undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
Evidence of culturally sustaining and/or humanizing pedagogical practices.
Experience or background working with students with diverse learning needs.
Demonstrated ability to build school-university partnerships and supervise teacher candidates.
Familiarity with the Colorado READ Act or similar state legislation.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate special education methods and elementary education courses, including areas such as literacy methods, reading instruction, and language arts.
Teach graduate-level courses in the School of Education as needed.
Develop new courses in areas of expertise as needed.
Supervise undergraduate practicum students and student teachers in field placements.
Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Collaborate with school and local community partners in Elementary Education and/or Special Education.
Serve on Elementary Education faculty workgroups and committees supporting the unit, school, college, and university, including local and state-level activities.
Support Educator Preparation and the School of Education through relevant scholarship.