Job Details

Assistant Professor of Education (Special Education) tenure-track
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Position Number: 5670227
Location: Georgetown, TX
Position Type: Education - Special Education

Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education with a specialization in Special Education. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service in a liberal arts context. The candidate will be responsible for teaching a range of undergraduate courses in Special Education, such as, but not limited to, Survey of Exceptionalities, Student Teaching in Special Education, Positive Behavior Supports, Differential Instruction, and Strategies in Life Skills and Transition, as well as Elementary Social Studies Methods.

The department is particularly interested in recruiting a colleague who is passionate about being a teacher-scholar in the liberal arts context, who is committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging, and who would be poised to closely mentor the diverse range of students we attract. Additionally, the department faculty are looking for a colleague who is supportive of an environment which is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and collegial. The Education Department has been at the forefront of educator preparation work through the faculty's efforts to highlight the tenets of social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and the importance of teaching and supporting students who have disabilities and/or are culturally and linguistically diverse - themes that serve as the framework for our course curriculum. The department faculty are seeking candidates who are also committed to this work.

Faculty at Southwestern are expected to teach within a teacher-scholar model which includes a standard course load of 5 courses per year (2-3 sections per semester), maintain an active research agenda that leads to peer-reviewed publications in the field, and participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, and academic advising. Department faculty teach courses that include connections to interdisciplinary programs as well as courses that contribute to the First-Year and Advanced-Entry Seminar Program, Paideia Program, and other university programs or activities that enhance the department's commitment to a successful liberal arts education.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a variety of undergraduate courses in Special Education and other Education methods courses as needed. They will provide academic advising to undergraduate students, guiding them in their academic and professional development. Engaging in scholarly research in the field of Special Education is essential, with an emphasis on publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at academic conferences. The candidate will contribute to the department, college, and university through committee work, curriculum development, participation in departmental meetings, and other service activities. They will supervise and mentor student teachers and students who are in course-specific Special Education field-based placements, providing guidance and support in their practical experiences. Additionally, the candidate will assist in the continuous development and evaluation of the Special Education program, ensuring it meets accreditation standards and reflects current research and best practices. Establishing and maintaining partnerships with local schools, educational organizations, and community groups to enhance field experience opportunities for students and contribute to community-based initiatives in Special Education are also key responsibilities.

The Education Department and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the spring 2024 semester, 38% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. In your application materials, please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

To apply: Applicants must hold special education certification with a minimum of five years of EC-12 teaching experience. Additionally, applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution, although an Ed.D. will also be considered. They must demonstrate a commitment to both effective teaching at the university level and in-person supervision of student teachers and students who are assigned to course-specific placements in Special Education field-based settings. Candidates should demonstrate a record of or potential for scholarly research and publication in the field of Special Education. A strong commitment to inclusive education and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations of students are essential. Additionally, applicants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and exhibit a collaborative and collegial approach to teaching and service. The following preferred qualifications should also be noted: embraces the philosophy of a liberal arts college education; experience with curriculum development and program evaluation; familiarity with current technologies and instructional methods in Special Education; and active involvement in professional organizations related to Special Education.

Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio:

a current CV

three letters of reference

a letter of interest detailing brief descriptions of sustained teaching, preferably in public schools, a teaching philosophy, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and research.

Applications will only be accepted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/155134. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Review of applications will begin on December 13, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating. Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds - including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities - are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e., underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected, and accepted in all aspects of our community.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University's Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, E-Verify Employer. EOE/M/F.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins. Sponsorship for an employment-based visa may be an option depending upon university needs and the applicant's qualifications.