Overview
As one of six departments in the College of Education, the Department of Special and Early Education houses undergraduate and graduate programs leading to licensure in special education (learning-behavior specialist I), early childhood education with special education approval and ESL/Bilingual endorsement, as well as masters’ coursework in advanced practices in Early Childhood and Special Education, Director of Special Education. SEED offers a nationally recognized course sequence qualifying students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination and credential. Faculty scholarship spans the full range of early childhood (birth through grade 2), and all disability areas, pre-K through age 21. SEED faculty also maintain strong relationships with area school districts and organizations serving young children and individuals with disabilities. SEED’s special education and early childhood licensure programs have experienced rapid growth due to Illinois’ strong commitment to addressing teacher shortages. NIU participates in the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity program in the State of Illinois, designed to provide full cost of attendance to members of the early childhood incumbent workforce advancing their knowledge and skills, including educator licensure.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the baccalaureate through the doctorate. Colleges include business, education, engineering and engineering technology, law, liberal arts and sciences, health and human sciences, and visual and performing arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 16,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.
The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to teach and conduct research with faculty across colleges and departments (e.g., Communication Disorders, Psychology, Engineering, Curriculum and Instruction, and other cognate areas) as part of a trans-disciplinary initiative at NIU.
Position Summary
Northern Illinois University’s Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) is seeking a candidate for a tenure-track faculty opening in special education with expertise in assistive technology/significant disabilities, beginning August 16, 2023
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor will participate in:
- Development and delivery of courses in our special education licensure program, teaching the assistive technology and other courses focused on individuals with significant disabilities.
- Publishing impactful scholarship and seeking grants in special education.
- Service to the department and the field.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to teach and conduct research with faculty across colleges and departments (e.g., Communication Disorders, Psychology, Engineering, Curriculum and Instruction, and other cognate areas) as part of a trans-disciplinary initiative at NIU.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Doctorate in Special Education or closely aligned field (ABD will be considered with an established defense date).
- Minimum of three years of teaching individuals with disabilities PreK – 21 who utilize assistive technology or supervising special educators teaching in this area.
- Evidence of a research agenda, the potential to conduct scholarship leading to tenure, and ability to seek external funding.
- Evidence of service in areas related to special education, communication disorders, or assistive technology.
Additional Requirements
- Strong background teaching individuals with and at risk for disabilities who utilize assistive technology;
- Commitment to serving families and individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, demonstrated excellence in teaching, potential for rigorous scholarship in special education, and dedication to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with English learners or bilingual students, adults, and/or families.
- Evidence of effectiveness in teaching in higher education or with adult learners.
- Ability to teach in an online environment.
- Licensure in special education, or other licensure with special education endorsement.
- Preparation in an additional area of special education such as behavior analysis, director of special education, methods for students with autism.
