Position Title: Instructor or Assistant Professor/Three Year Term/Special Education
Department: Education/Ldrshp/Pblc Srs Schl
Term of Assignment: Three Year Term
FLSA Status: Exempt = not eligible for overtime
Salary: Competitive
Travel: No travel
Brief Statement of Duties
The Three Year Term appointment will begin in August 2025. Duties include teaching undergraduate courses in special education for PK-12 elementary and secondary teacher education and special education.
In person undergraduate courses may include Understanding Students with Disabilities and Diverse Learners, Teaching Students with Disabilities and Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings, Introduction to Cognitive Impairment, Methods for Teaching Students with Cognitive Impairment, and other appropriate courses within the expertise. Methods courses will also incorporate field-based apprenticeships in local schools.
Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to service at the department level.
This on-campus position requires collaboration with the faculty of subject-area literacy, math, science, and social studies methods.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education: Master's Degree
Discipline / Degree Area: Special education
Required Specialized Training/Certifications:
A Master's Degree is required for Instructor rank.
A Doctorate Degree is required for Assistant Professor rank.
Required Minimum Work Experience: At least three years of full-time teaching experience as a PK-12 or ages 3-26 special education teacher.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Attributes Required for Satisfactory Performance of the Position Duties:
Ability to articulate the necessary elements of an equitable and just classroom setting that supports learner development in culturally responsive ways.
Knowledge of current research related to special education methods, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Experience integrating special education in content areas.
Knowledge of IDEA, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, and high-leverage practices for special education, the ability to integrate resources, policies, and information into classroom practice.
Knowledge of inclusion, high-incidence disabilities, anti-ableism, and core teaching practices in general and special education settings.
Philosophy that aligns with the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Evidence of teaching excellence.
Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and PK-12 school partners.
Ability to effectively communicate orally, by phone, in person, and in writing.
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
Doctorate in special education or related field.
Experience in teaching in a university setting.
Experience and willingness to supervise student teachers.
Experience in field-based teacher education programs.
Experience teaching students with disabilities, particularly students with cognitive impairment.
Expertise in using technology for teaching and learning.
Participation in professional organizations (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, etc.)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicant materials to include faculty application, cover letter, CV, statement indicating evidence of effective teaching, and unofficial transcripts.
Contact Information: Laura Reissner - Chair, lreissne@nmu.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity: NMU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, and is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of its employees.