Title

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Special Education

Rank

Assistant Professor

Tenure Information

Tenure Track

Department Summary

The Department of Special Education invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position. The mission of the department is to prepare special educators and related professionals to teach, lead, and serve in a diverse and evolving global society.

The department offers programs designed to meet the needs of undergraduate students who are interested in obtaining Massachusetts initial licensure area of Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre K-8 grade) or (5-12 grade) or as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (all levels). The department also offers two minors designed to meet the needs of undergraduate students who have an interest in students with disabilities.At the graduate level the department offers eight different M.Ed. programs that provide initial and professional licenses in Moderate and Severe disabilities, and three certificate programs for transition specialists, autism, and social emotional learning. There are also a variety of off-campus cohort programs that provide qualifications for licensure, complete M.Ed. programs, or complete certificate programs.The special education licensure programs at Bridgewater State University meet all Massachusetts Department of Education licensure requirements and standards established by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC).The Department of Special Education at Bridgewater State University is part of a cohesive campus community that provides professional opportunities for faculty advancement in teaching and scholarship and a clear path to tenure. Funding for faculty scholarship is available through the Center for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship as well as the Office of Teaching and Learning. There is also a significant institutional commitment to undergraduate research and international engagement.

Bridgewater State University is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among its faculty, staff and students, and to strengthening a justice-informed identity as identified in our strategic plan. This emphasis is reflected throughout the University's curricular and co-curricular activities. The University values scholarship and other ways in which faculty express their professional contributions and accomplishments. This flexibility sustains the need for faculty excellence, while also recognizing the diversity of talents and interests of our faculty as they move up the tenure ladder.
Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students; focused on the continuous improvement of its people; and is responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking and the pursuit of new knowledge and deeper understanding. The teaching and learning environment at Bridgewater also cultivates meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships and fosters an appreciation for global engagement aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Bridgewater State University is equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties

The Department of Special Education invites applications for tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The position will begin in September 2025. The successful candidate will work with undergraduate and graduate students. Teaching responsibility includes undergraduate Special Education major and graduate programs, both in licensure and non-licensure, supervising student practicum, and advising undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will model effective practices relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Other responsibilities include academic advising and practicum supervision in the department's teacher licensure programs.

The successful applicant will collaborate with departmental faculty and engage with College of Education & Health Sciences colleagues and other internal and external partners on the assessment, refinement, and expansion of existing programs. This position requires regularly scheduled office hours for student consultation.

Required Qualifications

• Earned PhD or Ed.D. in Education or closely related discipline from an accredited university and with documented coursework highly relevant to special education teacher education. The PhD or Ed.D. must be completed by August 31, 2025.
• Minimum three years experience teaching students with disabilities in P-12 settings.
• Commitment to public higher education
• Experience in assessing and teaching courses in teacher education at the college/university level to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for teacher candidates.
• Ability to advise students working towards the Massachusetts special education licensure endorsement for teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities
• Demonstrated ability to design and teach online, and incorporate technology use into student learning.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and advising; to working in a university community that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and multiple perspectives; and to excellence in PreK-12 education for all.
• Effective interpersonal, collaboration, and oral and written communication skills with students and colleagues, including those from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with the following.

• Content knowledge and teaching experience in literacy across the lifespan
• Experience teaching early childhood courses
• Evidence of scholarly activity and contribution to the content of the discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in special education assessment (psychometrician)

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

Posting Number

F00525P

Open Date

11/06/2024

Close Date

12/15/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

• A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
• CV
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Statement
• Equity and Inclusion Statement- a personal statement on a candidate's past efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss scholarship, professional skills, and demonstrable experience that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

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