"Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education & Program Director"

Job Details

Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education & Program Director

Notre Dame of Maryland University – School of Education

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Special Education, with the added responsibility of serving as Director of Special Education Programs in the School of Education. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to integrate teaching, research, and program leadership in preparing the next generation of special educators.

Position Overview

The Assistant/Associate Professor & Director will provide academic leadership for all special education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The role includes teaching, scholarship, student support, and administrative leadership to ensure program excellence, compliance with accreditation standards, and alignment with state and national licensure requirements.

Responsibilities

Teaching & Instruction

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in special education (methods, assessment, legal foundations, etc.).
• Develop and revise curriculum grounded in current research, inclusive pedagogy, and best practices.
• Supervise student research, internships, field experiences.
• Maintain regular office hours and academic advising responsibilities.
• Assist with edTPA preparation and student support

Scholarship & Professional Development

• Conduct and disseminate scholarly research in special education through publications, presentations, and grants.
• Engage in continuous professional development to remain current in policy, practice, and research.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the School of Education through collaboration and innovation.

Program Leadership & Administration

• Provide oversight for all special education programs, including curriculum, accreditation, and program evaluation.
• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement aligned with state (MSDE) and national (CEC, CAEP) standards.
• Supervise and mentor adjunct and full-time faculty in the program.
• Asist with course scheduling, program advising, and faculty teaching assignments.
• Collect and analyze program data for state and national accreditation reporting.
• Support the hiring and onboarding of adjunct faculty.

Student Support & Recruitment

• Partner with admissions and advising staff to recruit and retain students in special education programs.
• Advise students on program pathways, licensure requirements, and professional careers.
• Promote a culture of equity, inclusion, and academic excellence.

University & Community Engagement

• Serve on departmental, school, and university committees.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local schools and districts to support field placements and collaborative initiatives.
• Represent the program at accreditation visits, advisory boards, and community events.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Special Education or a closely related field.
• Evidence of successful teaching at the university level (undergraduate and/or graduate).
• Strong record of scholarship in special education (publications, grants, presentations).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in program administration, curriculum design, or accreditation.
• Knowledge of state certification/licensure processes and national standards (CEC, CAEP), including the development and submission of SPA reports.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising faculty or adjunct instructors.
• Familiarity with student recruitment and retention strategies.
• Prior collaboration with schools, districts, or agencies serving students with special needs.

The University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all employees who work at least 30 hours per week:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
• Retirement Plan through TIAA
• University paid Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy, and Short and Long Term Disability
• Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 14-16 Paid Holidays each year