Job description

Kirksville, MO

The School of Business and Professional Studies invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Special Education and Disability Studies to start Fall 2025.

Responsibilities: Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in special education, disability studies, and other courses according to program need and candidate expertise; supervising initial field placement students, as well as student teaching interns; actively participating in program development, including online offerings aligned with accreditation/state mandates and professional standards; fostering and maintaining relationships with PK-12 school partners; supporting student recruitment efforts; and leading the Disability Studies Minor (in collaboration with the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies). Scholarly activity and output appropriate to rank and consistent with the teacher-scholar model is expected, as well as service to the university, community, and profession. We are looking for field-specific expertise accompanied by an ability to teach students following a broad range of pathways in the liberal arts and sciences. Successful candidates will be excited by the opportunity to engage in intentional collaborative research and curricular and co-curricular experiences across programs, departments, and schools. At Truman, we are committed to responding to rapidly evolving changes in our fields and in the workforce, embracing expansive modes of inquiry, and building strong communities of practice to address real world needs.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Education, Special Education, Disability Studies, or related field (if ABD, doctorate must be completed by Dec. 2025);
• Three years of successful PK-12 teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of successful PK-12 teaching experience;
• Experience teaching at the collegiate level;
• Experience developing and teaching online coursework;
• Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive teaching;
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinarity;
• Evidence of successful recruitment efforts.

Rank and Benefits: This is an entry-level, tenure-track position; benefits package includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and reimbursed assistance for moving expenses.

The Program: The Master of Arts in Education program at Truman State University is a master’s level initial-certification program that prepares reflective practitioners grounded in a strong liberal arts and sciences education. Graduates from the program are sought-after throughout the state and region and typically exceed state certification requirements.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 3,500 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half plan to go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets from May through October, as well as the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted electronically at http://employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or [email protected]. Completed applications must include: a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above, a current curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy for that considers our program’s liberal arts and sciences setting, contact information for at least three references, and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin December 9, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Jocelyn Stevens, Education Department Chair, at [email protected].

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Direct inquiries to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354 and [email protected].

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or [email protected].