Assistant Professor, Special Education (Continuing Track)

Assistant Professor, Special Education (Continuing Track)
College of Education and Human Development
School of Education and Center for Disabilities Studies
The University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware

The School of Education (SOE) and the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware invite applications for a 12-month Continuing Track faculty position in special education with a focus on individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The position would be at the assistant professor rank in SOE with a joint appointment in CDS. Affiliation with SOE and CDS affords access to a fertile environment for applied research, community engagement, and program development. As a continuing track faculty member, the candidate will have the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities, gain promotion, take sabbatical leave, and enjoy the security of a multi-year appointment.  Qualified candidates should be interested in establishing a long-term career at the University of Delaware. The start date of the position is July 1, 2019.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• design and teach face-to-face and/or online undergraduate and graduate courses in SOE in the areas of special education and autism spectrum disorders;
• take a lead role with CDS on conceptualization and delivery of statewide training and technical assistance initiatives on evidence-based practices in autism;
• develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with state and federal agencies, as well as national and community organizations, to expand influence and impact; and
• collaborate with faculty, center leadership and community leaders on training, research and teaching initiatives of national importance.

The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree in special education, school or clinical psychology, applied behavior analysis or a related field, and a strong background working in the field of autism. Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is desired. SOE and CDS are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated commitment to diversity and equal opportunities through leadership in teaching and training,  inclusive teaching, and public engagement and outreach. Scholars from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The School of Education (SOE) has over 50 full-time and jointly appointed faculty, nearly 600 undergraduate majors and minors and 360 graduate students. SOE offers an undergraduate major in elementary teacher education and undergraduate minors in educational studies, educational technology, and urban education. SOE supports several robust graduate programs at both the master’s and doctoral level, including master’s level online, certification, and 4+1 programs in special education with concentrations in elementary, secondary, and autism. Faculty in the SOE are highly active researchers in areas spanning special education, literacy and language, mathematics education, the science of learning, sociocultural approaches, and educational policy. Faculty research is externally supported from numerous foundations and from federal agencies such as the Institute for Education Sciences, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. In the last several years, faculty have garnered external funding exceeding $21 million and the college ranks among the top nationally in obtaining federal support for education research. SOE faculty are recognized for their contributions to national conversations about critical educational issues, lead organizations working to address those issues, and provide a range of supports to the agencies at the front lines of improving educational opportunities and outcomes. The faculty are a methodologically diverse and collegial group of nationally and internationally known scholars.

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities—across ages and life domains—through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolio. CDS is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide, and is the largest research and public service center in the College of Education and Human Development.  CDS is home to a statewide training and technical assistance center on autism (the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism) and programmatic units focusing on transition to adult life, health and wellness, PreK-12 education, assistive technology, and interdisciplinary preservice training. Preservice training activities include the university’s Disability Studies minor, a new first year scholars program, the Spectrum Scholars program, and Delaware’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at the University of Delaware, community organizations, service providers, individuals with disabilities, and their families. CDS staff are respected as leaders in their field and frequently contribute to state, regional and national conversations about issues that impact the disability community.  

CDS has an operating budget exceeding $5 million, the majority of which is realized through external grants and contracts from federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, foundations and businesses.

To Apply: Using the online system at the University of Delaware https://apply.interfolio.com/56375  applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the position; a statement of teaching philosophy, including a description of contributions to promoting diversity; a statement of research/scholarship; a current CV; and contact information for at least three references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted. Questions should be directed to Dr. Laura Eisenman (eisenman@udel.edu; 302-831-0532), Chair, Special Education Continuing Track Search Committee. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from minority group members, women, individuals with a disability and veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/ legalnotices.html. Employment offers will be conditioned upon successful completion of a criminal background check. A conviction will not necessarily exclude you from employment.