Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education - Shaping Young Minds and Driving Educational Excellence at Penn State Altoona

Join the Penn State Altoona Team as an Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education

Are you passionate about education and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students with special needs? Do you have a strong background in Special Education and a desire to teach, advise, and mentor students in a dynamic and supportive learning environment? Look no further than Penn State Altoona, where we are seeking a highly qualified Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education to join our Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences.

About Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona is a four-year baccalaureate institution located in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania. We offer 25 baccalaureate degrees, five associate degrees, and the first two years of more than 160 Penn State baccalaureate majors. Our campus provides a small college teaching environment with the readily available resources of a major research university, making it an ideal location for faculty and students to grow and thrive.

Job Summary

We are seeking a full-time, non-tenure-line Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education to teach courses in Special Education, advise students, engage in scholarship and professional growth, and provide service to the College, community, and the profession. This is a 36-week appointment for the fall and spring semesters, with an August 2024 start date. As an Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education, you will play a critical role in shaping the educational experiences of our students and contributing to the ongoing growth and development of our Elementary and Early Childhood Education program.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Special Education, including special education law, assessment in inclusive settings, Applied Behavior Analysis, and evidence-based methods for instruction in reading, mathematics, and writing
• Advise students and provide mentorship and guidance in their academic and professional pursuits
• Engage in scholarship and professional growth, including staying current with best practices and research in Special Education
• Provide service to the College, community, and the profession, including participating in student recruitment and retention activities and program assessment
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program

Qualifications

Candidates for the position at the rank of Instructor will possess a master's degree, while candidates for the position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor will possess a terminal/doctorate degree at the time of appointment. All candidates must have expertise in Special Education and a strong commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring students.

Essential Qualifications

• Master's or terminal/doctorate degree in Special Education or a related field
• Expertise in Special Education, including special education law, assessment in inclusive settings, Applied Behavior Analysis, and evidence-based methods for instruction in reading, mathematics, and writing
• Strong teaching, advising, and mentoring skills
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff in a dynamic and supportive learning environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching courses in Special Education
• Experience advising and mentoring students
• Involvement in scholarship and professional growth in Special Education
• Familiarity with trauma-based pedagogy and autism

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Penn State Altoona, we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our faculty. As an Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education, you will have opportunities to:

• Engage in scholarship and professional growth in Special Education
• Participate in faculty development programs and workshops
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Penn State Altoona, we value a diverse and inclusive work environment that supports the well-being and success of our faculty and students. Our campus provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment, with a strong commitment to:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Student success and well-being
• Faculty and staff development and growth
• Community engagement and outreach

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

Penn State Altoona offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary range
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong background in Special Education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including:

• A letter of application establishing your qualifications
• A current vita
• A description of teaching philosophy
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts

Combine all materials into one electronic document and apply online at [insert link]. Review of applications will begin on August 15 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to Kristen Pearson, EECE Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Conclusion

Join the Penn State Altoona team as an Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education and contribute to the educational experiences of our students. We offer a dynamic and supportive learning environment, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a competitive salary and benefits package. Apply today and help shape the minds of future educators!