Assistant Professor- Special Education

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).

The successful candidate should possess broad expertise in special education and the ability to contribute across undergraduate and graduate programs. Of particular interest are candidates whose professional experiences include special education administration, educational leadership, program development, educator preparation, or systems-level improvement in special education.

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.

 

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating one or more of the following:

• Professional credentials, licensure, endorsements, or substantial professional experience in special education administration or educational leadership with an explicit focus on special education programs and services.
• Experience serving students with disabilities across multiple instructional environments, grade levels, disability categories, or service-delivery models.
• Experience developing or participating in externally funded grants or other sponsored projects in higher education or educator preparation.
• Experience with accreditation, state program approval, licensure review, or continuous-improvement processes, particularly those involving CAEP, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Council for Exceptional Children standards, or comparable professional and governmental bodies. 
• Higher education teaching experience, particularly in undergraduate or graduate educator preparation programs.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, coaching, or evaluating special education teachers, related-service professionals, or other school personnel.
• Experience with special education program administration, compliance, instructional leadership, systems-level implementation, or improvement initiatives within schools or school districts.
• Expertise related to advanced special education practice, including curriculum adaptation, behavioral intervention, assessment, inclusive education, instructional technology, or collaboration.
• Experience teaching or mentoring graduate candidates preparing for advanced leadership or specialist roles in special education.
• Evidence of successful scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations.
• Experience using candidate, program, or outcome data for accreditation reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing or revising university curricula, academic programs, endorsements, certificates, or educator preparation pathways.
• Experience establishing partnerships among universities, schools, districts, professional organizations, or community agencies.
• Demonstrated potential for leadership within university-based special education programs.

 

Application Materials: Applicants should submit:

• A letter of application addressing the qualifications and responsibilities of the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy and interests
• Statement of research/scholarly agenda
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available
• Graduate transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

 

Screening will begin immediately and will end when the position is filled.

 

The successful candidate must provide documentation verifying completion of the doctoral degree no later than August 1, 2027. Additional materials may be requested from candidates advancing in the search process. 

 

Programs in Special Education:

Northeastern Illinois University offers a comprehensive continuum of preparation in special education through its Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Special Education (LBS I) programs. Together, these programs prepare candidates for initial Illinois teacher licensure and for effective practice with school-age students with a wide range of exceptional learning needs, with emphasis on assessment, instructional planning, evidence-based instruction, technology, and inclusive educational practice.

The Master of Science in Special Education (LBS II) provides advanced preparation for experienced special educators seeking specialist and leadership expertise. Graduate candidates may pursue preparation in Curriculum Adaptation Specialist (CAS), Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS), or both areas.

Faculty within the Programs in Special Education contribute across these programs and their campus locations as well as endorsement, approval, clinical, and professional-development initiatives.

This position requires a background check.

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Salary Range

65,000 - 68,000

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Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.