Tenure Track, Assistant Professor of Education, Special Education

Title: Tenure Track, Assistant Professor of Education, Special Education

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Date Updated: 9/29/2026

Summary

The Department of Education at Washington & Jefferson College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position beginning in Fall 2027. We seek a colleague with expertise in special education who will teach undergraduate courses that lead to PreK to 12 special education certification, general education, as well as graduate courses in our online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. This person will join a department of teacher educators who believe deeply in the importance, value, and joy of the teaching profession. We prepare educators who honor the diverse identities and ways of being of their students, practice culturally responsive and inclusive teaching, and advocate for learning environments where every student can belong and thrive.

The successful candidate will teach a mix of in person undergraduate courses on our residential campus in Washington, Pennsylvania, and online graduate courses in the MAT program. Responsibilities also include academic advising, supervision of field placements and student teachers, service to the department and college, and ongoing engagement in scholarship and professional activity consistent with W&J's expectations for tenure track faculty.

About the Department of Education

Washington & Jefferson College has been preparing outstanding teachers for well over two centuries. The Department of Education is nationally recognized for its hands-on approach to teacher preparation, and its faculty and curriculum have received numerous awards. Our graduates report among the highest job placement rates of any teacher preparation program in the state. The department's guiding motto, "Docendo Discimus," meaning "we learn by teaching," reflects our belief that active, engaged learning benefits both our students and the PreK to 12 students they will one day teach.

The department offers undergraduate certification programs in Early Childhood (PreK to 4), Middle Level (grades 4 to 8), Secondary Education (grades 7 to 12), and Specialty Area certification (PreK to 12), with the option to pursue dual certification by adding Special Education Certification (PreK to 12). The department also offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which prepares career changers and other candidates for initial teaching certification and a graduate degree.

This is a team that believes teaching is both a craft and a calling. Faculty in the department support one another, hold high expectations for their candidates, and find genuine joy in the work of preparing the next generation of teachers.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in general education and special education that support PreK to 12 certification, and graduate level courses in the online MAT program.
• Supervise field experiences, clinical placements, and student teaching for candidates in special education.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on coursework, certification requirements, and career pathways.
• Participate actively in departmental, college, and community service, including accreditation and program assessment work.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship or professional activity appropriate to a teacher preparation program.
• Contribute to a departmental culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and joy in the work of preparing teachers.

Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in education, special education or a closely related field. Candidates who are ABD and near completion will be considered.
• A current or eligible teaching license or certification in special education, along with classroom teaching experience in special education at the PreK to 12 level.
• Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to teach effectively in both in person undergraduate and online graduate settings.
• A commitment to the mission of teacher preparation and to mentoring future educators with care and enthusiasm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or designing coursework for adult learners or graduate level online programs.
• Per Act 135 of 2024 and Act 47 of 2025, teacher educators need to be trained in foundational skills and instructional interventions based on structured literacy. If you have not been trained from an approved provider, you can do so upon employment.
• A record of collaborative work with PreK to 12 schools, families, and community partners.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following materials as a single electronic application at https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/ :

• A cover letter addressing how your experience and qualifications meet the position description above.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A statement of teaching philosophy, including your approach to preparing special education teachers for both in person and online learning environments.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as peer or student evaluations, if available.
• Contact information for three professional references. Confidential letters of recommendation will be requested for candidates who advance in the search.

It is recommended that all documents be submitted in PDF format and uploaded at the same time. Review of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Caylin Charrie, Chair of the Education Department: ccharrie@washjeff.edu . Questions about uploading application documents may be directed to humanresources@washjeff.edu.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.