Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education

The University of West Alabama invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education in the College of Education's Department of Teaching and Learning. This on-campus position supports preparing highly qualified educators committed to inclusive practices, evidence-based instruction, and improved educational outcomes for students with exceptionalities.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in special education, advise and mentor students, supervise clinical and field-based experiences, contribute to program development and assessment, engage in scholarly activities, and participate in university and professional service. The College of Education seeks a collaborative faculty member who is committed to high-quality teacher preparation, partnerships with P–12 schools, and addressing the educational needs of students and communities, including those in rural and underserved settings.

Primary Responsibilities Teaching and Student Engagement Teach undergraduate and graduate special education courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats as assigned. Provide instruction in areas such as exceptionalities, inclusive education, evidence-based interventions, assessment, individualized education programs (IEPs), behavior management, and instructional differentiation.

Supervise teacher candidates during field experiences, internships, and clinical placements. Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Integrate educational technologies, current research, and evidence-based practices into instruction. Scholarship and Professional Development Maintain an active scholarly agenda consistent with university expectations for tenure and promotion.

Engage in research, presentations, publications, and other scholarly activities related to special education and teacher preparation. Pursue opportunities for professional collaboration, grant development, and externally supported initiatives. Program Development and Assessment Participate in curriculum development, program review, and continuous improvement.

Contribute to accreditation activities and alignment with applicable Alabama State Department of Education, CAEP, and professional preparation standards. Assist in collecting, analyzing, and using candidate performance data to improve educator preparation. Collaborate with faculty to strengthen special education programs and clinical experiences.

Service and Community Engagement Serve on departmental, college, and university committees. Develop and sustain partnerships with P–12 schools and educational agencies. Participate in recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives. Support outreach and professional learning opportunities for educators in rural and underserved communities.

Required: Earned doctorate in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution by the appointment start date. Demonstrated knowledge of special education pedagogy, inclusive practices, assessment, and evidence-based interventions. Teaching experience in P–12 special education settings. Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Evidence of, or potential for, scholarly productivity consistent with a tenure-track appointment. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Commitment to effective student advising, mentoring, and professional service. Preferred: Current or previous special education teaching certification. Three or more years of successful P–12 special education teaching experience.

Experience teaching in higher education. Experience in ABA and other related fields in special education. Experience supervising teacher candidates or clinical placements. Knowledge of Alabama educator preparation requirements and special education certification pathways. Experience with program accreditation and assessment.

Experience teaching in online or hybrid environments. Evidence of scholarly publications, presentations, grants, or other professional contributions. Experience working with rural schools or underserved student populations. Appointment Expectations This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty appointment requiring a 4-day weekly on-campus presence at the University of West Alabama in Livingston.

The faculty member will be evaluated in accordance with university policies governing teaching effectiveness, scholarly activity, professional service, tenure, and promotion. Application Deadline: November 30, 2026 Salary: $57,414-$64,269, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Before hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources. To Apply: When you select "Apply Now," you will be prompted to provide the following: Cover Letter. A current resume or CV. Transcripts of all college work.

Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment. Email and phone number of three professional references. Reference letters may be requested later.