Job description

Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Education
Department: Special Education
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job SummaryThe Department of Special Education invites applications for one open rank tenure-track position beginning August 16, 2026. We are seeking qualified candidates with a specialization in Special Education with Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Expertise.

Responsibilities include scholarly research/publishing, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours per semester, and this individual will be expected to teach in the D/HH sequence as well as other special education courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The individual in this position is thus expected to teach 3 courses each semester in the Department of Special Education.

Rank and Tenure: This tenure-track position will begin on August 16, 2026, and is a nine-month position with the opportunity for summer teaching. Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The focus of annual evaluation and promotion in rank will be in the Department of Special Education. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional InformationThe Department of Special Education (SED), housed in the College of Education (COE), has built a strong reputation for scholarly work in the field of education as one of the largest producers of teachers in the nation, and boasts a large pool of tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty. The Department of Special Education offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level programs across learning behavior, deaf/hard of hearing, and low vision/blindness concentrations. The Department was recognized by College Factual as the number one school on the lists of Best Colleges for Special Education in both Illinois and the United States. The department enrolls approximately 600 undergraduate and 180 graduate students each year. Of the 600 undergraduates, approximately 70 are typically majoring in Deaf/Hard of Hearing studies.
At ISU, we embrace our responsibility to produce high-quality teachers. We are committed to teaching a comprehensive philosophy of deaf education. We are seeking a team member who has experience and passion for collaboration in teaching, scholarship, and program enhancement/development.

The College of Education hosts three academic Departments including: Department of Educational Administration and Foundations (EAF), School of Teaching and Learning (TCH), and Department of Special Education (SED). The College of Education is home to two laboratory schools: Thomas Metcalf PK-8 and University High School. The College of Education is also well-positioned for research and school collaborations with easy access to both urban and rural districts and additional opportunities for research in the university-supported P12 laboratory schools. For more information about our program visit:Department of Special Education.

Illinois State University:IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 22,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).

Salary Rate / Pay Rate$71,400-$106,700; Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Required Qualifications1) Hold a terminal degree in a field of education (i.e., Special Education) or a related field; however, exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before August 15, 2026.
2) Demonstrate expertise in teaching and/or scholarship focused on D/HH education or related topics. This expertise should demonstrate a commitment to a comprehensive approach to D/HH education.
3) Have evidence of at least three academic years of teaching and/or providing direct services for D/HH students in P-12 education.
4) Be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language as mandated by state law.

Work HoursVaries

Proposed Starting DateAugust 16, 2026

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.

How to apply

Required Applicant Documents1) Letter of interest
2) Teaching philosophy
3) Research agenda
4) Curriculum vitae
5) The names and contact details of three references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on “Apply”

Special Instructions for ApplicantsReview of applications will begin November 3, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for ApplicantsDr. Christy Borders, Search Committee Chair
[email protected]

Important Information for ApplicantsThis position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.