The University of Kansas, Department of Special Education is recruiting applicants for a nine-month, tenure-track position in our nationally ranked Special Education program, beginning August 2018. The position is at the assistant/associate rank. We have not limited the search to a specific area of scholarship. Instead, we seek applications from scholars who are focused on ensuring access and participation in and/or investigating innovative elements of systemic change and educational improvement in the discipline of special education. We are interested in candidates whose research and practice positively impacts knowledge and implementation in areas such as student learning and development; special education educator preparation; evidence-based practice; culturally-responsive approaches and diversity and equity perspectives; and inclusive education for all students. We seek scholars whose work enables students and their families to achieve a sense of belonging and membership, thereby supporting positive social relationships and friendships, as well as continuous development and learning across a broad range of family, community, societal and cultural activities and contexts.

The University of Kansas is a major educational and research institution with 29,000 students on five campuses, 2,600 faculty members, and service centers throughout the state. The main campus is in Lawrence, a vibrant, thriving community of more than 90,000 that is just 40 miles west of Greater Kansas City and 20 miles from the state capital. KU, a member of the Association of American Universities, consistently earns excellent ratings for its academic programs from U.S. News & World Report. It has also committed itself to expanding its innovative research and commercialization programs. The special education program consistently ranks number one among public institutions.

This is a nine-month, tenure-track position that will begin August 18, 2018. The University of Kansas is especially interested in hiring faculty members who can contribute to four key campus-wide strategic initiatives: (1) Sustaining the Planet, Powering the World: (2) Promoting WellBeing, Finding Cures; (3) Building Communities, Expanding Opportunities/ and (4) Harnessing Information, Multiplying Knowledge. See https://www.provost.ku.edu/planning/themes/ for more information.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Special Education or related field of study from an accredited institution is expected by the start date of appointment (August, 2018).
• Established record or evidence of strong potential of producing scholarship relevant to one or more areas of special education, including educator preparation, evidence-based practice, diverse and equity perspectives, student learning and development, and inclusive education;
• Established record or evidence of strong potential of successful teaching, advising, and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students in research and practice;
• Established record or evidence of strong potential to form collaborative partnerships with community programs, schools, relevant state departments, professional organizations, families, and/or others serving young children and their families.

Faculty Responsibilities:

Teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in special education, advise undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students (.40 FTE)

• Develop and implement strategies for the recruitment and retention of students;
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or masters students working toward a degree and/or teaching licensure/specialization endorsement;
• Collaborate on the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the innovative undergraduate and graduate educator preparation programs;
• Design, teach, and assess courses both online and face-to-face to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for educators;
• Advise and provide research supervision to undergraduate and graduate students in the special education degree programs; and
• Serve on master’s theses, master’s projects, and doctoral committees.

Develop and maintain an active scholarly research agenda and participate in external research and grant activities (.40 FTE).

• Create and implement scholarly work related to identifying, implementing, and evaluating effective practices, systems, or policies;
• Produce research leading to new insights and advances for publication in refereed journals or other scholarly outlets;
• Engage in university-wide initiatives and strategic planning (i.e., Bold Aspirations initiative – www.boldaspirations.ku.edu) to produce interdisciplinary research that makes significant new educational discoveries;
• Participate in and present original research at scholarly conferences and conventions
• Mentor master’s and doctoral students in the development of research skills and in production of scholarly products; and
• Obtain external funding for research initiatives in collaboration with colleagues.

Contribute to professional service at all levels (e.g., department, school, university, state and national) (.20 FTE).

• Collaborate with Department of Special Education, Department of Curriculum and Teaching, and School of Education (SOE) faculty to ensure effective undergraduate and graduate-level recruitment, advising, and educator preparation;
• Collaborate with Department of Special Education and SOE faculty, interdisciplinary university researchers and other stakeholders to ensure program quality, maintain state and national accreditation, and facilitate ongoing program and researcher agendas;
• Participate in ongoing and regularly-scheduled Department of Special Education, SOE, and University committees, faculty meetings, and retreats to ensure KU programs meet all professional standards and program quality expectations;
• Collaborate with local, state, and national stakeholders to facilitate ongoing communication, advocacy, research initiatives, and educator preparation; and
• Effectively work with culturally and ethnically diverse populations.

Salary and Appointment: Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and excellent benefits. This will be a nine-month, tenure-track appointment beginning August 2018.

Application Screening: Application review will begin on December 1, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled. Further details about the positions follow below.

APPLICATION:
A complete application includes an online application, with the following attached;

(1) Curriculum vita
(2) Letter of application that identifies professional interests generally and specific interests and background relevant to this position
(3) Two samples of scholarly work
(4) A list of three professional/academic references with contact information

The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. KU encourages applications from under-represented group members. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. In addition, KU policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status.

For Additional Information, Please Contact: Shaunna Price, Department Manager Committee Chairperson: Kathleen Lane, Ph.D.