Open Rank Faculty Positions in the area of Visual Impairments

Faculty Positions in Visual Impairments
Department of Special Education
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College

The Department of Special Education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University invites applications for two open-rank faculty positions in the area of visual impairments. For more than 60 years, our vision program has had a significant impact on the field. We now seek two individuals—ideally one on the tenure line and one on the practice line—to provide the program renewed leadership, allowing us to expand the program’s impact in both research and training. Successful candidates for both positions will have clear ideas for how our program can enhance its influence locally and nationally. Responsibilities for the tenure position include carrying out an influential program of research; providing leadership to the graduate program in visual impairments; collaborating with the practice faculty in visual impairments; teaching courses; advising master’s and doctoral students; securing external funding; collaborating with schools and agencies that serve diverse students; and providing service to the university and profession. The practice position will have many of these same duties, with more hands-on oversight of the training of the program’s master’s students and everyday collaboration with local schools and agencies.  These positions will be housed within the Low Incidence-Severe Disabilities area of the Department. A doctorate in special education, education, rehabilitation, or related field is required for both positions. We are seeking emerging or established leaders whose research and practice address the educational needs of students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. Affiliation is also possible with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development (http://kc.vanderbilt.edu), which is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary research, training, and community partnerships.

For over five decades, our Department has been a prominent leader in the field of special education and graduate training. Our faculty are highly collaborative and invested in research that is ambitious, innovative, and inspiring. We partner extensively with school districts and disability organizations to meet the needs of students with disabilities from a wide variety of backgrounds, as well as to prepare the next generation of teachers and scholars. We also share Vanderbilt’s commitment to diversity in the pursuit of excellence in learning and discovery. This investment in inclusive excellence spans all of our research, teaching, advising, and service endeavors. Among Vanderbilt undergraduates, 40% of students are racial minorities, 8% are international students, and more than 66% receive financial assistance. We are seeking faculty who have experience and a strong commitment to working with students who represent a diversity of backgrounds. Vanderbilt University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer; people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should submit an application letter, curriculum vitae, three samples of scholarly writing, and contact information for three people from whom letters of reference may be requested. A doctorate in special education, education, rehabilitation, or a related field is required. Employment will also require a background clearance check.

Applications materials should be submitted to visionsearch@vanderbilt.edu or to Visual Impairment Faculty Search, Department of Special Education, PMB 228 Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Bob Hodapp, Search Chair at robert.hodapp@vanderbilt.edu. Screening of applications will begin November 15thand continue until the position is filled.