Assistant Professor in Special Education

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Special Education beginning Fall 2027. The position focuses on inclusive, evidence-based practices for K–12 learners with disabilities and cross-categorical methods, with a 9-month academic year appointment and a reduced teaching load during the early research years.

The successful candidate will contribute to teacher preparation, engage in scholarship, and participate in service to the university and

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or ABD in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a special education emphasis, Learning Disabilities, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in accessible special education methods for K–12 learners with disabilities, including literacy, mathematics, curriculum access, assessment-informed instruction, and specially designed instruction.
• Minimum of three years of successful professional experience in K–12 cross-categorical special education.
• Eligibility for, or equivalent preparation aligned with, cross-categorical special education licensure, including the ability to teach and supervise teacher candidates in coursework, clinical experiences, and student teaching.
• Evidence of an active program of scholarship or the potential to develop a sustained research agenda related to special education.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessible practices, culturally responsive teaching, collaboration, equitable access to the general curriculum, and the preparation of future educators to support students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with K–12 schools that support high-quality clinical experiences, program development, and community engagement.
• Prepare teacher candidates to use inclusive, evidence-based instructional practices, including explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, assessment-informed decision making, progress monitoring, accommodations, modifications, and IEP-aligned planning.
• Prepare future educators to understand and address issues of equity, disability, culture, language, and access to high-quality educational opportunities.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship that advances the field of special education and contributes to the mission of the School of Education and Human Services.
• Teach undergraduate courses in cross-categorical special education with primary emphasis on K–12 methods, literacy, mathematics, curriculum access for learners with mild to moderate disabilities, assessment-informed intervention, specially designed instruction, instructional planning, family engagement and advocacy
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, licensure documentation, and continuous program improvement aligned with Wisconsin DPI requirements and CEC standards.
• Supervise cross-categorical special education clinical and student teaching experiences, providing coaching and feedback while collaborating with K–12 educators, related service providers, families, and community partners.
• Participate in department, college, university service, including recruitment, retention, committee work, and collaborative initiatives.
• Develop and teach coursework that prepares teacher candidates to design, implement, and assess evidence-based instruction for learners with disabilities across elementary, middle, and secondary settings.
• Advise and mentor teacher candidates throughout their educator preparation program.

Education

Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field

Job description

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Position Title

Assistant Professor in Special Education

Job Category

Faculty

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Assistant Professor

Job Duties

The School of Education and Human Services at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Special Education beginning in Fall 2027.

We seek a scholar-practitioner with expertise in inclusive special education methods for K–12 learners with disabilities, including curriculum access, assessment-informed instruction, and specially designed instruction. The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty committed to preparing future educators through inclusive, equitable, and evidence-based teaching and will contribute to the preparation of educators, counselors, and human service professionals who positively impact schools and communities.

The successful candidate will contribute to teacher preparation in cross-categorical special education, maintain an active program of scholarship, and engage in meaningful service to the university, profession, and community.

This is a 9-month academic year appointment with a standard teaching load of 12 credits per semester. During the first four years of employment, new faculty receive a 3-credit research release each semester, reducing their teaching load to 9 credits per semester while they establish their research and scholarship.

Join us in Oshkosh, WI

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, offers an outstanding quality of life in a vibrant and welcoming community. Nestled along the shores of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, Oshkosh blends natural beauty with the amenities of city living. Conveniently located just 90 miles from Milwaukee and Madison and 55 miles from Green Bay, residents enjoy easy access to larger metropolitan areas while benefiting from the charm and affordability of a smaller city. Outdoor enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities nearby. The scenic Northwoods of Wisconsin, picturesque Door County, and the Wisconsin Dells are all within a short drive, making weekend adventures easy and accessible. You can find more information about Oshkosh, WI on the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce website here.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with K–12 schools that support high-quality clinical experiences, program development, and community engagement.
• Prepare teacher candidates to use inclusive, evidence-based instructional practices, including explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, assessment-informed decision making, progress monitoring, accommodations, modifications, and IEP-aligned planning.
• Prepare future educators to understand and address issues of equity, disability, culture, language, and access to high-quality educational opportunities.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship that advances the field of special education and contributes to the mission of the School of Education and Human Services.
• Teach undergraduate courses in cross-categorical special education with primary emphasis on K–12 methods, literacy, mathematics, curriculum access for learners with mild to moderate disabilities, assessment-informed intervention, specially designed instruction, instructional planning, family engagement and advocacy
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, licensure documentation, and continuous program improvement aligned with Wisconsin DPI requirements and CEC standards.
• Supervise cross-categorical special education clinical and student teaching experiences, providing coaching and feedback while collaborating with K–12 educators, related service providers, families, and community partners.
• Participate in department, college, university, professional, and community service, including recruitment, retention, committee work, and collaborative initiatives.
• Develop and teach coursework that prepares teacher candidates to design, implement, and assess evidence-based instruction for learners with disabilities across elementary, middle, and secondary settings.
• Advise and mentor teacher candidates throughout their educator preparation program.

Department

School of Education and Human Services

Compensation

Competitive commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or ABD in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction with a special education emphasis, Learning Disabilities, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in accessible special education methods for K–12 learners with disabilities, including literacy, mathematics, curriculum access, assessment-informed instruction, and specially designed instruction.
• Minimum of three years of successful professional experience in K–12 cross-categorical special education.
• Eligibility for, or equivalent preparation aligned with, cross-categorical special education licensure, including the ability to teach and supervise teacher candidates in coursework, clinical experiences, and student teaching.
• Evidence of an active program of scholarship or the potential to develop a sustained research agenda related to special education.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessible practices, culturally responsive teaching, collaboration, equitable access to the general curriculum, and the preparation of future educators to support students with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful K–12 teaching experience in cross-categorical special education, particularly in elementary, middle, and/or secondary settings serving students with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other disabilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based literacy assessment and instruction for students with disabilities, including intervention planning and progress monitoring.
• Experience teaching or the ability to teach augmentative communication (AC).
• Experience teaching special education methods, curriculum, assessment, IEP development, instructional planning, or specially designed instruction in a teacher preparation program.
• Experience supervising teacher candidates during clinical placements or student teaching in K–12 special education settings.
• Knowledge of CEC special educator preparation standards, Wisconsin DPI licensure and program requirements, evidence-based instructional practices, and collaborative service delivery.
• Evidence of school partnerships, curriculum leadership, program assessment, or other leadership experiences related to special education.

Education

• Minimum Degree Required: Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field (ABD considered with completion by appointment date).

Work Authorization

Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Reasonable Accommodations

UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at [phone] for a paper copy.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.