Assistant Professor in Special Education: Specialization in Critical Disability Studies

term, eligible for reappointment after successful academic review. The successful candidate will be expected to teach and mentor students from varying backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences

Compensation:

The base salary range for this position will be $9,619 to $10,004 per month ($86,571 to $90,036 per 9-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Additional compensation affiliated with this recruitment may include a one-time relocation allowance and/or start up professional funds, if applicable. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs.

Position Description:

All University of Washington faculty are expected to engage in teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will be expected to perform highly effective and inclusive teaching, using a variety of pedagogical techniques and technologies, in an urban-serving campus environment. Faculty at UWT are expected to teach in multiple modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses.

The expected teaching load for this position is set at a level equivalent to six (6) standard courses per academic year. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in one or more of the following subject areas: special education; critical disability studies; reading and literacy; assessment; inclusion pedagogies; social emotional learning; behavioral development and supports; multi-tiered systems of support; teacher preparation. Additionally, this position is expected to successfully mentor undergraduate and graduate students with diverse experiences and backgrounds, in an academic setting.

The successful candidate will also be expected to perform research and service in the candidate’s area of expertise. This will include the development and maintenance of a rigorous scholarly agenda and actively participating in unit-specific activities such as accreditation, assessment, curriculum development, and program reviews. Additional service expectations include mentoring students, participating in school and campus committees, and maintaining external relationships with communities, school partners, and state-level professional organizations.

About the Tacoma Campus and the School of Education:

The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) is a growing, urban-servicing university that is deeply invested in its local communities. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UWT is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship, and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. Consistent with the institution’s urban-serving mission, UWT provides a unique environment for faculty to creatively develop their teaching, scholarship, and service portfolios, and to engage with the Tacoma community. UWT’s commitment to access is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty, and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.

To learn more about UW Tacoma, visit: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/home/about-university-washington-tacoma.

The School of Education (SOE) at UW Tacoma is one of seven academic units on campus. More information about our conceptual framework, mission, and values is located on our website: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/soe/conceptual-framework.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• An earned doctorate (or foreign equivalent) in Special Education or related field from an accredited college or university by the start of the appointment.
• A minimum of 3 years of full-time credentialed experience teaching in diverse PK-12 special education settings in the USA. The earned credential may be outside Washington State.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching in the candidate’s areas of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and pursue a scholarly research agenda in the candidate’s area of expertise.

In exceptional circumstances, candidates in the final stages of the degree (pending conferral) may be considered an appointed on an acting basis.

Application Instructions

First consideration of applications will begin on November 2, 2026. Priority will be given to those applications received by that date. The position will remain open until filled.

Applications must include the following materials:

• Cover letter, detailing your interest in the position, how you meet the minimum qualifications, and how your work will contribute to the mission and values of the School of Education at UW Tacoma. (maximum three (3) pages).
• Curriculum vitae, including your scholarship, a list of courses taught, their frequency, and your role in each course (e.g., primary instructor vs. teaching assistant), and your academic and professional service roles.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness. Please describe your teaching philosophy and your teaching experience, including brief descriptions of success and/or other accomplishments related to culturally/linguistically responsive and inclusive teaching practices. Please include how your teaching evidence supports the success of learners with disabilities from diverse and historically excluded backgrounds in PK-12 education, higher education, and/or community education. (maximum one (1) page).
• Names and contact information for three professional references, with letters available upon request.
• One (1) sample peer-reviewed paper or publication such as an article, book chapter, or a full conference paper.

Applicants should articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.

All materials must be submitted via Interfolio. Questions about the search should be directed to the Search Co-Chairs, Dr. Julia Aguirre, Director of Teacher Certification Master and Bachelors Programs & Professor (jaguirre@uw.edu) or Dr. Sarah Tov, Assistant Professor (satov@uw.edu). 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81: https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information: https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.