The Sharon Walker School of Education at Morningside University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Special Education to provide instruction and support for the special education initial licensure and endorsement undergraduate and graduate programs across the unit.

The Sharon Walker School of Education focuses exclusively on preparing future educators and providing advanced study for current educators, serving approximately 1,500 students each year across undergraduate, adult, and graduate programs both on campus and online. The School offers traditional initial licensure programs for undergraduate students in elementary and secondary education, as well as 12 MAT programs, including 3 initial licensure degree programs, and 13 advanced practice endorsements. In addition, Morningside University is one of two institutions in the state of Iowa approved to offer initial licensure through the Iowa Teacher Intern program for secondary education and the only approved Teacher Intern program for special education in the state. Enrollments are thriving in these accelerated adult and alternative route programs.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in launching an anticipated new special education major (pending state approval), “K-12 Special Education” that will prepare students to teach children with mild and moderate disabilities, as well as students with significant disabilities, such as behavior or emotional disorders, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism.

This is a 12-month, full time, tenure track position located on campus, with an annual teaching load of 24 credits assigned across the fall, spring, and/or summer terms as appropriate.  The anticipated start date is August 12, 2024.

Responsibilities:

• Teach primarily special education undergraduate and graduate courses, assist with the development of new programs for the unit, and deliver instruction both face-to-face and online.
• Advise and mentor students, participate in service to the unit and university, and engage in professional development.
• Provide content oversight for special education curriculum and assessment in the unit.
• Demonstrate the qualities of an effective educator, a commitment to implementing high quality education programs that meet and exceed state standards, and an enthusiastic dedication to teacher preparation.
• Teaching assignments will primarily include special education courses designed to meet the requirements for Iowa Special Education Instructional Strategist I and II, including mild/moderate methods, language development and communication disorders, methods of BD/LD or ID, and/ assessment and applied behavior analysis.

Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in special education, curriculum and instruction, education, or closely related field. (ABD will be considered if completion is expected within one year.)
• Special education licensure and K-12 teaching experience. Preference given to candidates with expertise and experience teaching children with significant disabilities.
• Outstanding educational and instructional technology skills, experience using learning management systems, electronic portfolio systems, and remote learning platforms.
• Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and curricula for a diverse student body, including awareness of current practices that support underrepresented populations.
• Additional licensure/endorsements in literacy, ESL, talented and gifted, or educational administration, preferred.
• Prior experience in online teaching, adult education, and/or graduate programs, preferred.
• Prior teaching experience in higher education teacher preparation programs, preferred.

About Morningside:

Morningside, a private university located in Sioux City, Iowa, is admired for both its rich, connected campus community and exceptional active learning experiences. Established in 1894, the university has been led by its 13th president Dr. Albert Mosley since 2022 and is nestled within a serene 69-acre park-like campus in the heart of Iowa’s fourth largest city. Morningside also offers academic environments at its 77-acre learning farm and at the Sioux Gateway Airport for its School of Aviation. The institution serves a community of approximately 2,300 students from almost all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

As a testament to its learning outcomes, more than 80% of undergraduate students have engaged in an internship, externship, student teaching, or preceptorship upon graduation, and for more than a decade 99% of students have gone on to a job or graduate school in their field of study within six months of graduation. Residential undergraduate students can expect a tranquil and secure campus environment, propelling personal and professional growth. Student life includes around 50 student-led clubs and organizations, a wide array of visual and performing arts opportunities, and 28 varsity sports that regularly receive conference and national recognition. Morningside is also proud to serve as a regional resource for the Siouxland area, offering a variety of on-campus events and activities for students, alumni, and the community at large. Learn more at morningside.edu.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.  Successful completion of a background check and education verification are required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu

Screening for the position will begin immediately and continue until filled. Applications received by October 30, 2023, will receive full consideration.  Apply on-line only by submitting an email to facultysearch@morningside.edu entering “Special Education Faculty Search” in the subject line and attaching PDF or Microsoft Word files for the following documents: cover letter, current curriculum vitae, 1-page statement of teaching philosophy, and list of five references (name, phone number, and email). Questions about the position may be addressed to Dr. Kelly Chaney, Dean of the Sharon Walker School of Education (712-274-5540 or chaneyk@morningside.edu).