"Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Special Education Specialization)"

Position Summary

The Department of Teacher Education at Fort Lewis College invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a specialization in Special Education to begin Fall Term 2026. The Teacher Education Department offers licensure programs in early childhood, elementary, several secondary and K-12 teaching areas and five Master’s degree programs.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• A teaching load of 12 credits per semester with a 3-credit research release within the academic year. Teaching load will include teaching education courses, mentoring special education candidates, and program coordination. Additional duties include academic advising, scholarship, and service to the college and department, and contribution to accreditation and reauthorization processes.
• Specialization in literacy/reading in general education or in special education
• Experience in higher education teaching and/or program administration
• Mentorship of teacher education students or peer mentorship
• Undergraduate and/or graduate level college teaching and research
• Commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and service in a teaching-intensive institution that has a meaningful impact on schools in the region.
• Experience with online, hybrid and/or remote instruction
• Responsive, respectful, and effective teaching of students from a range of identities
• Experience with Alternative Special Education licensure processes and coursework development
• Experience with grant development and management
• Development of local and regional partnerships in rural areas
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508
• Produce and remediate digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• Doctorate (Ph.D or Ed.D) in Special Education or closely related field
• A minimum of three years of experience as a Special Education Teacher in K-12 schools
• Experience with academic program coordination
• Experience with and ability to manage state licensure requirements and processes, both traditional and alternative
• An active research agenda in Special Education or Special Education/Teacher Education program design or implementation

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility

This position reports to the Chair of the Education Department

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Light to moderate lifting is required

Travel

Less than 5% is expected for this position

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt
• Full Time 1.0 FTE
• Permanent
• 9 Month Position.
• Typical Work hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Salary

The salary is $58,000, and a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application Deadline

Application materials received by 11:59 p.m. on January 11, 2026, will receive full consideration.

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and pass a background check.

About Fort Lewis College

On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango