Assistant Professor of Instruction, Special Education

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Special Education seeks applications for a non-tenure track, full-time, two-year term Assistant Professor of Instruction beginning in August 2024 with expertise in preparing teachers to work with students with mild-moderate, intellectual, learning, and behavioral dis/abilities. The contract, with satisfactory teaching and service, can be renewed at the end of each term. This position supports three programs: (1) Online transfer program serving nontraditional undergraduate students preparing to be teachers, (2) post-baccalaureate endorsement pathways that prepare licensed teachers to add endorsements in Strategist 1: Mild and Moderate and Strategist II: Intellectual Disability, and Strategist II Learning Disability/Behavioral Disability, and (3) occasionally will support on-campus students who are preparing as elementary or secondary teachers with special education minors. Online students study at a distance via synchronous online learning using Blackboard Ultra and Zoom. These students also complete practicum experiences in their local schools. The on-campus students complete their practicum experiences in schools in the Cedar Valley.

Applicants should have demonstrated experience and expertise in special and inclusive education for students receiving services within the Strategist I and II competencies and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, access, and social justice. Teaching content responsibilities may include assessment, instructional methods, and/or social-emotional behavioral support for K-12 students with disabilities. In addition, applicants will be expected to collaborate with their UNI faculty team, supervise field-based practicum experiences (virtual and/or in school), and provide service to the department.

The University of Northern Iowa provides high-quality education, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and preparing them for success after college. We boldly envision being a diverse, inclusive, and accessible community that provides an engaged education, empowering students to lead locally and globally. As we advance our work to become an equity-oriented institution and realize our vision, we seek to elevate the diversity of our faculty across disciplines, departments, and colleges to build an inclusive teaching and learning environment. Equity vision hires will be supported by faculty on campus working to reimagine our curriculum and pedagogy and to build equitable practices for promotion, policy review, development and implementation, and student retention, persistence, and success.

Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the university has developed outstanding programs in business, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences with advanced degrees available in many programs. The University’s attractive size, approximately 9,000 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities, and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the "Best Midwest Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres. For more information, visit www.uni.edu.

The successful candidate must hold a Master's degree in Special Education, Disability Studies in Education or a related field, and a Strategist 1 (mild-moderate), Strategist II (intellectual disability, learning or behavioral disability) endorsement or related endorsement.

Required qualifications include at least three years of experience working with students receiving special education services in K-12 school settings; previous experience that maximizes the strengths of all learners, integrating developmentally appropriate practices; the ability to work in a team environment; and the ability to use culturally responsive, evidence-based practices to support the child and/or adolescent development and learning - especially for Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color (BIYOC) and their families; and a strong knowledge base of current research-based best practices. 

Preference will be given to candidates with a Doctoral degree in Special Education or Disability Studies in Education or a related field; successful teaching experience in a teacher preparation program at the undergraduate level; successful experience teaching in face-to-face and online formats; experience working with teachers or providers in a coaching or professional development environment; knowledge of special education and/or Disability Studies in Education professional standards and inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices, including in natural settings and competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, and a demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: linguistically and culturally diverse populations, assistive technology, or community engagement.

Applications received by March 19, 2024 will receive full consideration. To apply, visit http://jobs.uni.edu/. Inquiries may be sent to Robin Dada at 319-273-2167 or to Sandy Crain at Sandy.Crain@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required. 

UNI actively seeks to enhance diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.