The Department of Special Education at the University of Illinois seeks a nationally recognized scholar with effective leadership qualities to serve as the tenured Professor and Head of the Department. The Head will support an exceptionally strong faculty to fulfill the research, teaching, and service missions of the Department and College in a major research land-grant university. The Department Head position may be combined with a named scholar position, Margaret Joy Valpey Professorship in Special Education. Information about the Department of Special Education may be found at https://education.illinois.edu/sped/.
The Department of Special Education has a long history of leadership and innovation, from the foundational work of Sam Kirk, to parent implemented interventions, STEM and struggling learners, parent advocacy, and inclusion. It is located on a campus that has led the way in creating architectural accessibility, wheelchair athletics, and accessible higher education for individuals with disabilities. The Department, ranked as the 10th best graduate program in special education in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2017), is committed to the production and dissemination of new knowledge in special education and disabilities across the lifespan through excellence in research, teaching, and service. Faculty and graduate students employ varied research methodologies, work in diverse educational and community settings, and prepare educational professionals at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Current faculty research promotes successful early childhood, school, and life outcomes for individuals with and at risk for disabilities and their families. The special education teacher certification program and early childhood special education personnel preparation program are nationally recognized. The department supports fulltime doctoral and master’s students through federal training and leadership grants. The College provides a strong infrastructure for grant writing and sponsored project management enabling faculty to garner millions of dollars in external funds. The Department Head works in concert with a team of unit heads to foster the mission of the college.
Qualifications: The Head must possess an earned doctorate in special education or a related field and demonstrate a strong record of scholarship commensurate with the position of full professor. Evidence of previous administrative experience in higher education, including budget oversight, is essential as is a strong record of acquiring external funding, an understanding of the complexities of special education across the lifespan, teacher education for diverse learners, and experience with faculty and program development. The University of Illinois has a Carnegie classification of Highest Research activity. As a result, it is critical that the successful candidate understands the demands associated with this type of institution. The Department Head will join a highly collaborative community of scholars, promoting and nurturing cross department, college, and campus activities.
Starting Date and Salary: The starting date is August 16, 2018. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications.
To ensure full consideration, please complete a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu by November 27, 2017, and upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three samples of scholarly peer reviewed publications. Also, upload the names of and contact information for at least three references. Complete applications may be reviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made before November 27, 2017.
Confidential inquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Lisa Monda-Amaya, Acting Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Professor in Special Education. She can be reached at (217) 333-2800 or sped@education.illinois.edu.
Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).