Open Rank Professor, Undergraduate Special Education

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

72d•Hybrid

About The Position

National Louis University seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and dynamic educator for a full-time 10-Month Open Rank Professor of Undergraduate Special Education position. This role will support the continued growth and innovation of undergraduate special education programming across both residency and traditional pathways. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chair of Undergraduate Special Education to support program development, course oversight, curriculum innovation, and candidate success initiatives. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate special education coursework, supporting residency and traditional educator preparation pathways, collaborating on program improvement efforts, serving as a subject matter expert in course development and revision, and contributing to ongoing accreditation and licensure alignment efforts. This position requires an educator with strong expertise in special education practice, inclusive instruction, and educator preparation who is committed to preparing future teachers to support students with disabilities across diverse educational settings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in culturally responsive and disability-affirming teaching practices, collaboration across teams and partners, and the implementation of evidence-based and high-leverage instructional practices. The candidate must be effective in working with students from diverse backgrounds, possess a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations, and demonstrate successful professional experience in the field of special education. The successful candidate will contribute meaningfully to a collaborative learning community dedicated to educational access, inclusion, and excellence in educator preparation.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education or a closely related field required.
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required.
Minimum of four years of professional experience in special education settings.

Nice To Haves

Earned doctorate in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
ABD candidates with documented progress toward degree completion may be considered.
Experience teaching or supporting students in higher education settings preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in special education instruction, intervention, and inclusive practices across diverse learning environments.
Experience supporting educator residency programming and/or field-based teacher preparation models preferred.
Experience developing or revising higher education coursework and curriculum preferred.
Expertise in High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), evidence-based practices, assistive technology, behavior supports, literacy, transition planning, and inclusive instruction preferred.
Experience teaching across online, hybrid, and face-to-face instructional modalities preferred.
Experience supporting students with high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain a teaching load across Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms within undergraduate special education programming.
Teach undergraduate special education courses in residency and traditional pathways across multiple instructional modalities, including online, hybrid, and in-person settings.
Create engaging, inclusive, and accessible learning environments that support diverse adult learners.
Support students in developing competencies aligned with Illinois licensure standards, High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), and evidence-based instructional practices.
Provide mentoring, advising, and professional guidance to undergraduate teacher candidates.
Collaborate with the Chair of Undergraduate Special Education to support day-to-day program operations and initiatives.
Assist with oversight and coordination of undergraduate special education courses and instructional quality.
Serve as a subject matter expert in the development, revision, and continuous improvement of undergraduate coursework and curriculum.
Support alignment of coursework with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements, accreditation standards, and program outcomes.
Contribute to program growth initiatives, recruitment efforts, and student retention efforts.
Work collaboratively with faculty, adjunct instructors, university departments, and community partners to support high-quality educator preparation.
Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and initiatives.
Build and maintain partnerships with schools, districts, and community organizations that support residency and field-based learning opportunities.
Support initiatives that promote educational equity, inclusion, accessibility, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Maintain expertise in current special education research, policy, instructional practices, and educational technology.
Engage in professional development and scholarly activities aligned with educator preparation and special education practice.
Contribute to curriculum innovation and continuous program improvement efforts.