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Assistant Professor of Education, Special Education

LOCATION: 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus 

ACADEMIC SCHOOL: Don A. Williams School of Education and EXSS 

SUPERVISED BY: Dean, Don A. Williams School of Education and EXSS 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt (Educational Diagnostician Preferred)

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Teacher candidates and/or graduate students in Special Education programs; may assist in supervision of clinical teachers, interns, and candidates in field-based settings.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University is an intentionally Christian institution of higher education. Faculty members are expected to support and advance the mission, vision, and identity of the University through their teaching, service, and professional conduct. Faculty should model an authentic Christian faith through personal interactions, professional responsibilities, and engagement with students and the broader community.

The Assistant Professor of Education in Special Education is primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Special Education and related fields. This includes preparation of teacher candidates and graduate students, particularly in areas aligned with Special Education, assessment, and educational diagnostics. The faculty member is also expected to mentor and advise students, support certification pathways, and contribute to program development.                                                                                                                                                              

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES

1. Prepare and teach twenty-four (24) semester hours each academic year as part of a 9-month contract, with assignments in Special Education and related areas aligned to the faculty member’s expertise.
2. Understand and abide by FERPA regulations and all university policies related to student privacy and records.
3. Be willing to teach in multiple instructional modalities, including face-to-face, online, hybrid, and hyflex formats, as needed to meet program and institutional needs.
4. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student expectations and performance within the University’s LMS (Blackboard Ultra), including at minimum:
   • Syllabus posted by the start of the term
   • Grades updated on a weekly basis
   • Attendance updated after each class session (as applicable)
5. Submit final grades through Student Services by established deadlines and provide additional student performance information as required, including:
   • Midterm grades (for 16-week terms)
   • Last date of attendance for failing grades
   • Other reports requested by Student Success or Athletics
6. Maintain required documentation, including grades, attendance, and course materials, and submit reports when requested, ensuring compliance with institutional and program expectations.
7. Abide by accommodations and directives provided by the Title IX Coordinator and/or Disability Services Coordinator, ensuring appropriate support for all students.
8. Maintain a minimum of ten (10) office hours per week and be available to students outside of scheduled class times in accordance with university policies.
9. Be available on campus five (5) days per week and participate fully in departmental and institutional responsibilities.
10. Dress professionally and appropriately for assigned duties and responsibilities.
11. Provide academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students, including knowledge of degree requirements, certification pathways, and registration processes.
12. Assist the dean and faculty in developing and revising courses and programs, including those aligned with Special Education, Educational Diagnostician preparation, and educator certification standards.
13. Serve on University, School, and Faculty committees; attend graduations, meetings, and professional development activities as required.
14. Maintain competence in the use of university systems, including but not limited to:
    • Blackboard Ultra
    • Colleague
    • Perceptive Content
    • Slate
    • Student Services systems15.
15. Participate in and support field-based experiences and clinical practice in accordance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §228 requirements, including collaboration with school districts, support of clinical teachers and interns, and adherence to Educator Preparation Program (EPP) expectations.
16. Contribute to program alignment and compliance with TAC §239 (standards for educator preparation and certification programs), including continuous program improvement, candidate performance monitoring, and support of certification readiness.
17. Support candidate preparation in accordance with Texas standards for Special Education and Educational Diagnostician certification, including: Assessment and evaluation practices, development and implementation of IEP's, Legal and ethical compliance under IDEA, and data-driven instructional decision-making.
18. Provide service to the University through committees, councils, special projects, and program support activities.
19. Complete all duties in alignment with the terms of the signed faculty contract.
20. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean or Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The above statements are not a complete list of responsibilities, tasks, and duties performed by employees in this position. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean of the Don A. Williams School of Education or the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following areas:
  • Special Education
  • Educational Diagnostics
  • Educational Leadership / Administration (with significant coursework and/or experience in Special Education)
  • Or a closely related field
• ABD candidates may be considered, with the expectation that the doctorate will be completed within a specified timeframe.

Experience and Knowledge

Qualified applicants must demonstrate expertise and professional experience in Special Education, including one or more of the following:

1. Experience in K–12 Special Education settings, including work with diverse learners and compliance with IDEA.
2. Experience with assessment and evaluation processes, including ARD/IEP development, and the use of data to support diverse learners, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and interpretation of TELPAS results to inform instructional decision-making.
3. Knowledge of federal and state laws governing Special Education, including legal and ethical requirements.
4. Experience supporting or preparing students for educator certification in Special Education or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Certification or eligibility as an Educational Diagnostician in Texas.
2. Experience teaching in higher education, particularly within educator preparation programs (EPPs).
3. Experience with online instruction and course development.
4. Familiarity with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §228 and §239 requirements and educator preparation accountability systems.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in instructional technology and data systems
• Ability to mentor and support diverse learners and teacher candidates
• Commitment to student success and continuous program improvement
• Ability to integrate faith and learning within a Christian higher education environment

Additional Requirements

1. Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs
2. Able to pass Background Checks

Work Environment: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees will work primarily at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.  The office maintains a controlled temperature.  Noise levels are generally moderate, with typical office sounds such as conversations and office machinery. 

 Hours of Work: Plainview campus: This position is a full-time, 9-month faculty appointment based on the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Faculty are not required to work during the summer months unless separately contracted or assigned.

Faculty are expected to fulfill all teaching, advising, service, and institutional responsibilities during the academic year. Work schedules vary based on teaching assignments, office hours, meetings, and university obligations. Regular on-campus presence is expected during the academic term, typically Monday through Friday, in alignment with university needs.

THE UNIVERSITY

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University is a four-year liberal arts university. The institution is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University System is comprised of the Plainview campus, which is predominately a residential campus, ten external campuses, and the WBUonline Campus offering courses in a broad range of academic areas

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Employee must be able and willing to travel and teach at external campuses. Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. As a faith-based institution, the University reserves the right to hire individuals who support its mission and religious identity.

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