Assistant Professor, Education

Position Summary

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

Olivet Nazarene University is seeking a candidate for the position of full-time faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor within the Special Education Program in the School of Education. This position will serve as the Special Education Program Coordinator for the university’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education Degree, teaching special education courses and general education courses in the Education Preparation Program.
Our preferred candidate will have training and expertise in a field of special education. Competence, experience, and mission fit are top priorities.

The successful candidate will fill a vital role as a faculty member in the School of Education. Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian institution dedicated to providing outstanding education with a Christian purpose. ONU is seeking a dynamic and committed candidate to join an exciting faculty in fulfilling the university mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teach departmental courses within special education and general education.
2. Maintain a vibrant and interactive learning environment extending beyond the university classroom.
3. Monitor and coordinate required field experience placement of students.
4. Monitor and coordinate educational interactions with professionals in the field.
5. Mentor student teachers as a University Supervisor in local schools.
6. Develop and/or maintain special education courses to relevant professional teaching standards.
7. Continue to research and reflect on personal teaching effectiveness and build a wide variety of classroom experiences for all candidates.
8. Advise assigned candidates and prospective students.
9. Attend all School of Education and Education Preparation Program meetings.
10. Serve as a faculty advisor for the ONU Council for Exceptional Children student chapter.
11. Develop and complete scholarship projects including publications, presentations, performances, exhibits, and workshops.
12. Manage the Special Education grant funds.
13. Serve as the lead regarding program review or reporting necessary for the Special Education program.
14. Assist the Associate Dean of the School of Education as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
2. A strong and articulate Christian faith demonstrated in a life of servant leadership.
3. Minimum of 7 years of contemporary expertise in the field of special education.
4. Teaching at the university level is preferred.

Additional Information

EDUCATION
A master’s degree in Education with substantial experience teaching in special education. Candidates with a terminal degree will be given preference.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Candidate may be asked to instruct, evaluate, and assess students in a traditional and online setting, along with internship sites in a multitude of work environments.

Located on the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Salary and Rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits are competitive.

Olivet Nazarene University operates under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene and reserves the right to prefer employees based on religion (Title VII, Section 702-703, U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Only candidates who submit all required documents will be considered: cover letter, resume with references, curriculum vitae, statement of faith, and teaching philosophy. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Position begins August 2026.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000. Additional considerations will be made for relevant experience and educational background.

Olivet Nazarene University offers:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
• Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
• Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet’s distinguished academic programs.
• Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.