Asst/Assoc Prof, Spec Ed

The School of Education at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education, with an expected start date of August 16, 2027. The preferred candidate will have previous experience coordinating special education programs; experience in program development, recruitment, or assessment; familiarity with CAEP, CEC, or state accreditation processes. Individuals appointed at the Assistant Professor rank may demonstrate emerging experience in these areas through leadership in other professional roles and a clear potential for assuming program leadership responsibilities. The Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education position advances a dynamic teacher-preparation program by emphasizing practice-embedded instruction for preservice educators and supporting the program’s evolving role in early SPED pedagogy and research. For more information about the School of Education, please visit https://www.usca.edu/education.

Main Responsibilities include coordinating the B.A. in Special Education (curriculum, assessment, scheduling, recruiting, and student advising); demonstrated excellence in teaching, evidenced through effective instruction, student engagement, and course design aligned with special education standards; the development and maintenance of a productive scholarly agenda appropriate to rank; and sustained service contributions to the School of Education, the University of South Carolina Aiken, the local community, and the teaching profession. The position is responsible for delivering practice-embedded coursework that integrates theory, research, and classroom application and for preparing preservice teachers to support learners across diverse education settings. Faculty in this role are expected to collaborate closely with colleagues and school and community partners to strengthen special education programming; contribute to curriculum and program development; support field-based and clinical experiences; advise and mentor preservice teachers; and participate in ongoing efforts to ensure that coursework remains responsive to current evidence-based practices and the needs of P–12 learners and schools. Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

Requirements: Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Special Education or a closely related field, with a record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, or demonstrated potential for excellence in these areas at the rank of Assistant Professor. ABD will be considered for Assistant Professor rank with degree conferred by the time of appointment.

Preferred: Expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification is highly desirable.

USCA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

The initial screening of applicants will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online and upload the following with their application: a cover letter; current CV; unofficial graduate transcripts; full contact information for three professional references. Finalists will be required to submit official hard copy transcripts and three signed recommendation letters. Questions may be directed to Dr. Walker, Search Chair, at Juan.Walker@usca.edu.

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA), a public comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to more than 4000 students in 60 programs of study. USCA has ranked as one of the best public schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the 26th year in a row. Additionally, USCA was recognized for being a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer in Social Mobility. USCA is South Carolina’s COPLAC institution providing a unique and strong liberal arts core within our degree offerings. We boast students from 35 states and 32 countries. USCA has ten NCAA Division II Athletic programs.

Situated on 450 acres, USCA is located thirty minutes from Augusta, GA (home of the Masters Tournament and Fort Gordon, new home of US Army Cyber Command), one hour from Columbia, SC, and within three hours of Charleston, SC, coastal beaches, and the Appalachian Mountains. Aiken is noted for its famous thoroughbred horses, numerous parks and golf courses, wonderful weather, spacious avenues, and historic homes.