Chairperson, Department of Special Education

Chairperson. The position is a 12-month, tenured position at the associate professor or professor rank, to begin July 1, 2027. We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative Chairperson to lead a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the department. The Chairperson is responsible for strategic leadership, fiscal management, curriculum review, accreditation processes, personnel recruitment, facilitation of faculty and staff meetings, enrollment management, faculty, staff, and program advancement, and oversight of the teaching and clinical processes of the department. The Chairperson will encourage and support high-quality teaching, research, and service, will demonstrate commitment to shared governance, and will advocate for the resources needed to sustain the Department’s missions and vision. The Chairperson will develop and maintain partnerships within and outside the university, as well as promote the Department’s programs to alumni, government agencies, and other educational institutions. The Chairperson reports to the Dean of the College of Education. University Benefit Highlights: - Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life - Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options - Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents - Paid holiday / administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks - Paid benefit time Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ Additional Information Department of Special Education, https://education.illinoisstate.edu/academics/special-education/ As one of the largest special education schools in the country, the Department of Special Education at Illinois State University is nationally renowned for preparing the highest quality special education professionals for all grade levels. With 18 tenure-track faculty members, 695 undergraduate students, and 193 graduate students, the Department of Special Education is a dynamic and vibrant learning community. Programs include: Learning and Behavior Specialist (LBS), Learning and Behavior Specialist (LBS) Online PULSE, D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist (DHH), Low Vision and Blindness Specialist (LVB), Master’s Degree in Special Education, Master’s Degree in Education: Low Vision and Blindness, Master’s Degree in Education: D/deaf and Hard of Hearing, Master’s Degree in Education LBS 1, Doctorate in Special Education, Director of Special Education Post-Master's Certificate, Behavior Intervention Specialist Certificate, Curriculum Adaptation Specialist Certificate, and Multilingual Special Education Certificate. College of Education, https://education.illinoisstate.edu The College of Education at Illinois State University is the root of the University’s legacy. The College has been preparing excellent teachers and education leaders ever since its founding in 1857. Illinois State University is the largest preparer of teachers in the United States (Title II, 2025). With almost 1000 teachers and 187 education leaders who graduate each year, the College of Education is a premier place for educator preparation. The University is ranked among the Top 100 Best Graduate Education Schools in US News & World Report (2026). The College houses three academic units, including the School of Teaching and Learning, Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, and the Department of Special Education. The College also is home to two laboratory schools, Thomas Metcalf (PK-8) and University High School (9-12). Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu , was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in seven colleges. Our strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride . Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org . Salary Rate / Pay Rate $150,000-160,000 Required Qualifications 1) A terminal degree in Special Education or a relevant field. 2) Academic achievement that merits appointment with tenure at the rank of associate professor or professor. 3) Experience as an educator or direct service provider to individuals with a disability. 4) Demonstrated record of scholarship in Special Education or related field. 5) A record of successful administrative or other leadership experience at the program, department, college, or university level. 6) Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law. Work Hours Varies Proposed Starting Date July 1, 2027 Required Applicant Documents Letter of application Curriculum vita Statement of leadership (4 pages maximum) Statement of teaching or experience as a direct service provider (4 pages maximum) Statement of research agenda (4 pages maximum) The names and contact details of 3 references The Department of Special Education is committed to a job search experience that is accessible to all department, college, and university stakeholders. Accordingly, we are committed to: 1. Ensuring the digital resources and documents we share comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA 2. Providing automatic transcription for remote components of the interview process 3. Ensuring ASL interpretation and ample amplification for formal presentations (i.e., research presentation, teaching demonstration) We encourage, but do not require, applicants to use resources and submit materials that meet WCAG 2.1. Microsoft offers approachable resources that applicants may find useful. If you have questions regarding document accessibility, you may contact Stephanie Keim at sdkeim@ilstu.edu. Please Note : These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply" Special Instructions for Applicants Review of applications will begin November 30, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Contact Information for Applicants Hannah Uranich Office Manager, Dean’s Office, College of Education Hgurani@ilstu.edu 309.438.5415