The Sharon Walker School of Education at Morningside University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Special Education to provide instruction and support for initial licensure and endorsement special education programs in the unit. This position is a nine-month appointment beginning August 16, 2027.

The Sharon Walker School of Education focuses exclusively on preparing future educators and providing advanced study for current educators, serving more than 1,000 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, special education, art and music education, and secondary education, as well as 14 MAT programs, including 4 initial licensure graduate MAT degree programs and 13 advanced practice endorsements. Of these, graduate special education programs have the highest enrollments. Morningside University is one of three institutions in the state of Iowa approved to offer initial licensure through the Iowa Teacher Intern program, and the only program approved to offer Special Education as a Teacher Intern program. In addition, Morningside University is one of eight institutions in Iowa to offer the K-12 Special Education, All undergraduate major.

The Assistant Professor in Special Education provides instruction and support for the special education initial licensure and endorsement undergraduate and graduate programs across the unit. This is a full time, tenure track position with an annual teaching load of 24 credits.

Responsibilities:

• Teach 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 Behavior Disorder and Learning Disabilities or Intellectual Disabilities, assessment, and/or applied behavior analysis. Course assignments may be undergraduate and/or graduate courses, delivered in any of these formats: face to face, hybrid, and online.
• Assist with the development, design, and leadership of a new delivery format and clinical model for the undergraduate K-12 All Special Education major.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate special education majors and in-service graduate students seeking special education endorsements.
• Provide content oversight for special education curriculum and assessment in the unit, serving as an academic coordinator (course author and mentor) for select special education courses, as needed.
• Participate in service to the unit and university, and engage in professional development.
• 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.
• Teach a May Term course once every three years.

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, (Iowa Special Education Instructional Strategist I and II, preferred) and special education K-12 teaching experience. Preference given to candidates with additional experience as a Special Education Instructional Coach.
• 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, ELL, 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.

Morningside is a private university located in Sioux City, Iowa, that serves over 2,000 students from almost all 50 states and more than 30 countries. It was established in 1894 by The United Methodist Church, an affiliation it continues to maintain, and Chad W. Benson serves as its President. The main campus comprises 69 acres nestled in a serene, park-like setting in the heart of Iowa’s fourth largest city. Lags Farm and Sioux Gateway Airport are both nearby extensions of the campus that serve the School of Agriculture and Aviation.

Morningside’s largest undergraduate programs are education, nursing, and business, and the Sharon Walker School of Education, Nylen School of Nursing and the Rosen School of Business all offer well-established online post-baccalaureate and graduate program options for nontraditional and graduate students. A strong commitment to experiential learning has enabled Morningside University to maintain a remarkable 99% job and graduate school placement rate for its undergraduate graduates over the past decade.

Morningside University is home to the Mustangs Athletic Department, which fields 28 varsity sports and is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Residential undergraduate students may also enjoy more than 50 student-led clubs and organizations or choose to get involved with the School of Visual and Performing Arts regardless of their major.

Learn more about Morningside University at morningside.edu

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by October 16, 2026.  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 is 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.

Apply online only by submitting an email to facultysearch@morningside.edu entering Special Education Search in the subject line and attaching a PDF or Microsoft Word files for the following documents: A cover letter, current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information for three persons to provide professional recommendations. If the letters of recommendation are not included in the application, they must be submitted electronically to the “facultysearch” email address provided above. Questions about the position may be addressed to Stacey Brown, Department Head, Sharon Walker School of Education, browns@morningside.edu