Job Description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
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Position Title:

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Assistant Professor - Tenure-Track - COEPS | Special Education (Multiple Openings)

Job Category:

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Faculty

Employment Type:

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Regular

Job Profile:

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Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

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The Department of Special Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks two tenure-track faculty member in the area of cross-categorical special education beginning August 2026. This is a full-time position (9-month contract) with responsibilities for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses within the Special Education Department, as well as research, and service to the university, community, and profession. Summer teaching assignments may be available but are not required. Research and teaching expertise should complement existing faculty expertise. On campus physical presence is an expectation of the position.

Job Details:

The successful candidate will be able to teach a range of special education licensure and non-licensure undergraduate and graduate courses. The candidate will also be expected to pursue an active research agenda that results in publications and contributes to advancing the department, university, the profession, and society. The candidate will also be expected to participate in service activities and embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion as a member of the university community.

Responsibilities:

Full-Time teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as possible fieldwork supervision. Research expectations include an active research agenda resulting in publications and conference presentations. In addition, faculty members serve as advisors/mentors to students and are encouraged to engage students in undergraduate research or other scholarly and creative activities. Service responsibilities include committee service at the departmental, college, and university levels as well as participation in community organizations and the discipline as relevant to the candidate's expertise and interest. Faculty at UW-W may be required to teach in a variety of formats, including in-person, online and/or in a hybrid format, or courses in the evenings. All students, faculty, and staff are required to ensure their materials are digitally accessible and utilize standard technology platforms supported by UW-Whitewater. Examples include, but are not limited to, Navigate, Canvas, and Microsoft Office applications - including Outlook, which is essential for university email communications and scheduling.

Department Information:

The Special Education Department is the University of Wisconsin System's 2024 Regents Teaching Excellence Programs Award recipient. The Department offers numerous undergraduate options that lead to licensure or certification including cross categorical licensure, special education minors, and a minor to master's program:

https://www.uww.edu/coeps/academics/specialed

. We offer a fully online baccalaureate program which leads to licensure: https://www.uww.edu/coeps/academics/specialed.


In addition, we offer four emphasis areas for special education master's degrees and eight specialist certificates at the graduate level. All are fully online:

https://www.uww.edu/online/masters/special-education

. The dyslexia certificate has IDA accreditation and the ABA specialist certificate is a Verified Course Sequence.

College Information

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The College of Education and Professional Studies licenses more teachers than any program in Wisconsin. The college is committed to the development of professionals who are lifelong learners, creators of knowledge, and leaders of character and integrity. Responding to the changing needs within our global society, our programs prepare professionals to actively engage in an open democratic society inclusive of diverse populations. As a premier center for global learning, the college's focus on depth of learning and academic excellence provides our students with the requisites to be leaders dedicated to change in their communities.

Key Job Responsibilities:

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Department:

The Department of Special Education

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a minimum starting salary of $60,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications. There may be additional opportunities to teach and earn a salary during the summer months.


UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure .

Required Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in special education or one of the areas listed in the "preferred qualifications" section is required. ABD candidates may apply but must have their degree completed by the contract start date in August 2026; if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with the understanding that their degree will be completed before January 1, 2027 in advance of their first scheduled review. Demonstrated commitment to teaching with an emphasis on promoting the success of undergraduate and/or graduate students, clear evidence of scholarly potential, commitment to working with inclusive populations and serving as active member of the university community.

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in science of reading, structured literacy, and/or dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities OR expertise in behavior science, behavior assessment and intervention, and/or applied behavior analysis Experience with online teaching or willingness to learn current and emerging practices in online teaching and learning Three years K-12 teaching experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills.

How to Apply:

Only complete application packages will be considered.

This includes online submission of the following documents:


Cover Letter/Letter of Interest Curriculum Vita Names and contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time) Copies of unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered position)

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu .


For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Lama Bergstrand, PhD

Department of Special Education


262-472-3019


bergstrl@uww.edu

Lauren Zepp, PhD

Department of Special Education


262-472-5813


zeppl@uww.edu

To Ensure Consideration

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Complete applications received by November 22nd, 2025, are ensured full consideration.

Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in phone and/or online screening interviews and/or on-campus interviews.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

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UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs -- online and in person -- from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities -- a priority mission since the 1970s.



UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

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The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin ( https://www.wisconsin.edu ).




Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).




Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.




The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.




For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.