Assistant Professor of Special Education - College of Education and Community Innovation

The Special Education program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is looking for two (2) tenure track faculty members to join the department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Community Innovation at the assistant professor level. Both positions begin in August 2027 and require onsite, in-person responsibilities. Applicants must have earned a Doctorate, or ABD with expected completion by August 2027, in Special Education or a closely related field. Additionally, applicants must have: (a) demonstrated ability to teach courses related to students with disabilities; (b) a record of successful teaching at the K-12 level with students with disabilities; (c) demonstrated potential for teaching at the university level; and (d) a record of, or potential for, scholarship.

Salary & Benefits: $66,000 - $68,000, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of special education with emphasis on inclusive practices, academic content strategies, and specially designed instruction
• Supervise teacher candidates completing clinical experiences in K-12 classrooms
• Advise students in undergraduate and graduate special education programs
• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and graduate courses and curricula
• Develop a research agenda and record of publications and presentations related to the discipline
• Provide service to the department, college, university, profession, and/or community
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Doctorate in Special Education or a closely related field (ABD, with expected completion by August 2027, considered)
• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching in K-12 classroom setting
• Valid teaching certification/credentials (current or lapsed)
• Expertise in the areas of inclusive practices, academic content strategies, and/or specially designed instruction
• Demonstrated potential for teaching at the university level
• Record of relevant scholarship or evidence of an emerging research agenda in special education, disability studies, or related field
• The ability to disseminate findings to a scholarly audience
• Willingness and ability to teach courses in person, online, or hybrid format
• Willingness and ability to travel for instruction and student supervision

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Specialized knowledge and experience working with students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, high-incidence disabilities, or mild/moderate support needs
• Familiarity with high-leverage practices for students with disabilities, curricular access, structured literacy approaches, and/or Michigan's new science of reading requirements for K-5 instruction
• Record of quality teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• Evidence of student-centered and relationship-centered teaching
• Demonstrated commitment to utilizing and providing instruction on inclusive practices in college teaching
• Ability to coordinate and manage clinical-based K-12 experiences
• Experience with program leadership
• Experience with using various modalities of instruction, including face-to-face, online synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, and other distance learning technologies
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues to support continuous program improvement, including curriculum development, program evaluation, and alignment of coursework and clinical experiences

Working Conditions: Typical office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu and select “Apply now.”

Complete applications must include:

• Cover letter addressing one’s areas of expertise, especially as it relates to the required and preferred qualifications posted above
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information of three professional references
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial acceptable for application; official transcripts required prior to on-campus interview)

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references (to be used only in the final stage of consideration). The initial round of interviews will be conducted virtually; second round interviews will be in-person on the Grand Rapids City Campus.

Applications missing required documents will not be considered. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact search chair Julia Snider at snidejul@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, contact Human Resources at hro@gvus.edu.

Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin immediately with preference will be given to applications received by November 30, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.