Assistant Professor of Elementary / Special Education

Providence College; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Providence College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Elementary/Special Education beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate candidates, mentor students, and contribute to research and service within a nationally visible program.

We seek a scholar with a strong commitment to evidence-based instructional practices, collaboration with schools and community partners, and a developing or established research agenda in elementary

Qualifications

• PhD or ABD in special education, elementary education, language and reading, or closely related field.
• Evidence of scholarly activity or clear potential in the field.
• Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and teacher preparation.

Responsibilities

• Teach face-to-face undergraduate courses in merged Elementary/Special Education.
• Design and deliver high-quality instructional materials and assessments.
• Advise majors on coursework and core requirements.
• Establish collaborative relationships with local schools and partners.
• Contribute to accreditation and program improvement activities.
• Engage in departmental and college service and research dissemination.
• Advance the college's mission through teaching, scholarship, and engagement.

Skills

Scholarly activity & research

Undergraduate teaching

Collaboration & teamwork

MTSS/IEP knowledge

Education

Doctorate in special education or elementary education

Job description

The Elementary/Special Education Department at Providence College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Elementary Special Education, beginning in Fall 2027.

We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to the department’s commitment to academic excellence, evidence-based instructional practices, and the preparation of highly effective elementary and special education teachers. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate teacher candidates, scholarship and professional engagement, and collaboration with schools and community partners. We particularly welcome candidates with an established or emerging research agenda that has the potential to enhance the department’s national visibility and contribute meaningfully to the field of elementary education, teacher preparation, and/or special education as an inclusive model.

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City. For years, Providence College has been recognized #1 in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and is ranked #1 in Undergraduate Teaching.

The School of Education and Social Work:

The Department of Elementary Special Education is situated within the School of Education and Social Work (SESW). The School of Education and Social Work’s vision statement is that “Our graduates cultivate human flourishing and foster a more just society.” The SESW values Reflection, Inclusivity, Engagement and Excellence. https://education-social-work.providence.edu/

The Elementary/ Special Education Department:

The Department of Education is widely recognized for its merged dual certification elementary and special education program. We seek to: a) educate and inclusively prepare outstanding pre-service teacher candidates in both elementary education (grades k-6) and special education (grades k-8); b) engage in high-quality teaching, scholarship, and service; and c) engage in diverse partnerships within our local community, across Rhode Island, throughout the New England Region and Internationally. The Elementary Special Education Program has a long history of emphasizing inclusive education, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.

Salary: $69,000-$79,000

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach face-to-face undergraduate education courses in a merged elementary and special ed department.
• Design, develop, and deliver high-quality instructional materials, learning experiences, and assessments.
• Advise Elementary/Special Education majors on coursework, including requirements within the Providence College Core Curriculum.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local schools and community partners.
• Contribute to accreditation and continuous program improvement activities.
• Participate actively in departmental and College-wide service and committee work.
• Develop and sustain a productive program of scholarly inquiry and disseminate research through appropriate professional and scholarly venues.
• Contribute to the College’s strategic priorities and mission through teaching, scholarship, service, and engagement with the broader community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in special education, elementary education, language and reading, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. ABD candidates may be considered, provided the doctorate is completed by the time of employment.
• Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, scholarly activity and research related to special education, teacher preparation, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and teacher preparation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Prior experience teaching students with disabilities in inclusive settings, including supporting the multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS) process and IEP development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with curriculum development, accreditation, program assessment, or other forms of academic program leadership.
• Experience teaching undergraduate students, particularly in teacher preparation programs.
• Experience collaborating with K–8 schools, districts, community organizations, or other educational partners.
• Evidence of engagement with evidence-based instructional practices and contemporary issues in elementary education.

For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by November 1, 2026.

For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Laura Hauerwas, Elementary/Special Education Department, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918-0001, at [e-mail]