What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Specialist position at FISK UNIVERSITY?
Teaching & Instruction
• Teach undergraduate courses in Special Education, delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that prepares teacher candidates to effectively serve students with diverse learning needs.
• Design and deliver culturally responsive, evidence-based instruction aligned with state licensure requirements and SACSCOC standards.
• Supervise and mentor teacher candidates in field placements, student teaching, and clinical practice settings.
• Develop, review, and continuously improve course syllabi, materials, and assessments in alignment with SACSCOC and applicable state requirements.
• Integrate current research, technology, and best practices into all course content and instructional delivery.
Advising & Student Support
• Serve as academic advisor for assigned Special Education undergraduate students.
• Provide support and guidance to teacher candidates pursuing Special Education licensure, including Praxis examination preparation.
• Monitor student progress and implement proactive strategies to support retention, persistence, and degree completion.
Accreditation & Program Development
• Actively contribute to the Department of Education's accreditation self-study process, including collecting, analyzing, and reporting data across all applicable standards in alignment with SACSCOC requirements.
• Participate in program assessment, curriculum mapping, and continuous improvement activities aligned with SACSCOC and state licensure requirements.
• Collaborate with department faculty and administration in the development and revision of Department of Education policies, handbooks, and program documentation.
Scholarship & Professional Development
• Maintain an active and productive scholarly agenda through research, publications, presentations, or grant activity related to Special Education, educator preparation, or related fields.
• Remain current in Special Education policy, legislation, and evidence-based practices, including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA compliance.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and participate in professional organizations at the state and national level.
Service & Departmental Contributions
• Serve on departmental, school, and university committees as assigned or elected.
• Support the Department of Education by willingly serving in other capacities as needs arise, including program coordination, event planning, workshop facilitation, or interim administrative responsibilities.
• Actively engage with P–12 partner schools, community organizations, and local education agencies to strengthen clinical partnerships.
• Represent the university and department at recruitment events and community outreach initiatives.
Qualifications:Earned doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Special Education from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of three (3) years of documented K–12 teaching experience in a Special Education setting, including experience with students with a range of disabilities.
• Valid state teaching license/certification in Special Education (K–12).
• Prior higher education teaching experience, including undergraduate-level instruction in educator preparation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with IDEA, FAPE, IEP development, and the federal/state Special Education legal framework.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to serve in multiple capacities within the Department of Education as programmatic needs require.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in establishing relationships in the community for new clinical, practicum, and student teaching experiences.
• Experience supervising clinical field placements or student teachers in Special Education settings.
• Familiarity with CAEP accreditation standards and educator preparation program assessment.
• Record of scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or funded grants.
• Experience with Praxis exam preparation and supporting candidates through licensure processes.
• Proficiency with education technology, online course delivery platforms, and data management systems.
• Experience in curriculum development and program assessment aligned with accreditation standards.