Assistant Professor- Special Education

neiu; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago is inviting applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Special Education beginning August 2027. The Programs in Special Education prepare students for licensure and advanced study across undergraduate and graduate pathways in a collaborative, equity-minded environment.

The successful candidate will teach across campus locations and modalities (online, hybrid, in-person), advise candidates, contribute to curriculum and program

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or closely related field; ABD considered if completion by Aug 1, 2027.
• Graduate preparation, scholarship, and/or professional experience in special education.
• Knowledge of contemporary evidence-based practices for educating students with disabilities in K-12 settings.
• K-12 teaching experience in special education, ideally as a licensed teacher.
• Ability to teach broad undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the Programs in Special Education.
• Commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service in a diverse urban university environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses across modalities and campuses.
• Teach courses on characteristics and education of students with disabilities, assessment, instructional practices, collaboration, and policy.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship with peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate candidates through academic and licensure requirements.
• Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, and program improvement.
• Contribute to program, department, college, and university service and outreach.
• Collaborate with districts and community partners to strengthen educator preparation.
• Support accreditation, licensure, and program review activities.

Education

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or closely related field

Job description

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

The Programs in Special Education within the Department of Literacy, Leadership, Development and Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Special Education, beginning August 2027.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty committed to preparing highly skilled, reflective, and equity-minded special education professionals to serve students with disabilities and their families in diverse schools and communities. The Programs in Special Education offer undergraduate, graduate, licensure, and endorsement pathways, including the Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (LBS I), Master of Arts in Special Education (LBS I), and Master of Science in Special Education (LBS II).

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses (all campus locations and instructional modalities - online, hybrid, and in-person) across the Programs in Special Education, including courses within the B.A. in Special Education, M.A. in Special Education (LBS I), and M.S. in Special Education (LBS II) programs according to program needs and the candidate's areas of expertise.
• Teach courses related to the characteristics and education of students with disabilities, assessment, evidence-based instructional practices, behavioral support, curriculum adaptation, collaboration, inclusive practices, special education policy, leadership, and other areas represented within the Special Education curriculum.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship appropriate to a tenure-track faculty appointment, resulting in peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly or professional contributions.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate candidates and support candidates as they progress through academic, clinical, licensure, and professional requirements.
• Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous program improvement.
• Contribute to program, department, college, university, and professional service.
• Collaborate with faculty, school districts, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen educator preparation and professional learning opportunities.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical and field-based experiences in special education.
• Support educator preparation accreditation, state approval, licensure, and program review activities.
• Contribute to recruitment, retention, and support initiatives for undergraduate and graduate candidates.
• Pursue opportunities for external funding, grants, partnerships, and other initiatives that advance the mission and priorities of the Programs in Special Education and the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education.
• Participate actively in the shared governance and collaborative work of the Programs in Special Education and the Department of Literacy, Leadership, Development and Special Education.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or a closely related field, such as Educational Psychology, from an accredited institution; ABD candidates will be considered provided all requirements for the doctoral degree will be completed and the degree awarded no later than August 1, 2027.
• Graduate preparation, scholarship, and/or professional experience demonstrating substantive expertise in special education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary evidence-based practices for educating students with disabilities in K-12 settings.
• K-12 teaching experience in special education, preferably as a licensed special education teacher.
• Ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate and/or graduate courses within the Programs in Special Education.
• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching, scholarship, and service within a diverse urban university environment.
• Evidence of the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with candidates, faculty, school professionals, families, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.