Pennsylvania State University

Endowed Associate/Full Professor of Special Education

Pennsylvania State University$90K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Earned doctorate in a relevant field.
  • Outstanding research record with evidence of funding productivity.
  • Strong teaching expertise with focus on special education and equity.
  • Demonstrated success in K-12 school partnerships to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities.
  • Experience in contributing to educator preparation programs and community partnerships.

Responsibilities

  • Advance research in special education and inclusive practices.
  • Inform preparation and development of educators and education leaders.
  • Collaborate with faculty across various divisions within Penn GSE.
  • Engage with K-12 schools to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
  • Develop innovative interventions such as Universal Design for Learning.

Benefits

  • Endowed position signifies institutional commitment to special education research.
  • Opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration within Penn GSE.
  • Potential to influence educational practices in urban school districts.
Full Job Description
Description

In particular, Penn GSE seeks a scholar whose research advances knowledge in the field while also informing the preparation and development of educators and leaders. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: teacher preparation for special and inclusive education; neurodivergent learners and learning differences, including autism, ADHD, and executive functioning; literacy and language development for students with reading disabilities and language-based learning differences; high-incidence disabilities such as learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, and speech-language impairments; and interventions such as multi-tiered systems of support and Universal Design for Learning. We are looking for a colleague who considers intersections between learning and mental health and wellbeing, as well as the ways that systems and structures are implicated in both how disabilities are identified and potential interventions. We welcome candidates representing diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches.

Depending on the candidate's expertise and interest, opportunities exist to collaborate across Penn GSE's divisions and centers, including with faculty working in educational policy, school leadership, literacy, and instructional design. This endowed position, made possible through the generous support of the Usdan Family, represents a significant institutional investment in special education research and practice.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate and an outstanding record of research, funding productivity, and teaching expertise, commensurate with experience level, with a focus on special education and its intersections with equity and inclusive practice.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success working in partnership with K-12 schools and districts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, their educators, and their communities. The successful candidate will provide intellectual leadership within GSE's educator preparation programs and contribute to building sustained partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia and other high-need urban districts.

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV, cover letter, research statement, a statement of teaching philosophy, the names of three references, and at least three writing samples or publications in Interfolio. Please submit your application by September 15, 2026. The search committee will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. You can contact the Office of Research and Faculty Affairs with questions at [redacted].

About Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public research university with its flagship campus in University Park, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, Penn State is one of the largest universities in the United States, with more than 100,000 students enrolled across its 24 campuses. The university offers more than 160 majors and has a strong focus on research, with more than $1 billion in research expenditures annually. Penn State is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic program, with 31 varsity sports teams. The university has a large alumni network, with more than 700,000 living alumni.
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