Lucas P. Wintrode Assistant, Associate or Full Professor of Special Education

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Education and Human Sciences is seeking a visionary faculty member whose expertise and leadership will elevate scholarly research and advance teaching efforts focused on autism and autism spectrum disorders. Desirable candidates should be able to assume leadership roles and/or accept key responsibilities including (a) engaging in cutting-edge research on autism, (b) providing high quality teacher preparation and graduate student training, and (c) facilitating autism training opportunities and programs. This is a 9-month, full-time, in-person, tenure-track, benefit-eligible position with possible appointment as an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor depending upon experience. Initial appointment shall be as faculty within the Teacher Education program, focusing on neurodiversity, which emphasizes developmental sciences and the science of learning and is dedicated to grounding teacher education in the context of developmental and cultural relevance. This position is supervised by the Director of the School of Education Counseling, and Human Development with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2024. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.RESPONSIBILITIES:The Lucas P. Wintrode Professor of Special Education-Autism Studies at SDSU will be an experienced and enthusiastic faculty leader who will:Provide leadership in scholarly activity and/or applied research.Provide exceptional education through classroom instruction.Guide and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their work to support individuals with autism and on the autism spectrum.Develop an annual plan outlining goals and propose a budget for use of endowed funds supporting the professorship and related activities, such as Michael’s Journey and the supervision of a mentoring program for SDSU students with autism. The plan shall be approved by the Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences.Maintain a high-level of scholarly activity and/or research productivity through grant funding, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at national and/or international forums in alignment with the appropriate academic discipline.Teach a variety of upper-level special education and/or education courses on autism and autism spectrum disorders, and/or supervise candidates in the field.Actively engage in professional organizations at the local, state, and national level.Advocate/lobby with the South Dakota Department of Education regarding a potential Autism Endorsement on Teacher Licensure.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Terminal Degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Education, Human Development, or a closely related field by date of application.Ability to communicate effectively with audiences who have various lived experiences.·Ability to lead an extramurally-funded education research programTeam leadership ability, scholarship, and an educational background in the areas of autism and autism spectrum disorders.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Nationally recognized scholarship and/or professional activities in special education.Potential for excellent teaching in university settings (on-campus and online).Commitment to promoting and encouraging acceptance of all learners and responsive approaches to teaching.Ability to develop strong collaborative partnerships among institutions of higher education, local education agencies, government agencies, mental health, and nonprofit organizations where collaboration will enhance the strengths of the College and stakeholders.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Record of developing and delivering academic programs in a university setting.Ability to collaborate with community schools, mental health partners, and a broad array of campus partners in support of student success.Ability to advance academic programs through university and institutional review processes.College teaching experience, particularly with teacher education, human development, and/or counselor education students.Expertise in students with severe disabilities.Expertise in integrating content areas in a cross-curricular approach to instruction.BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.APPLICATION PROCESS:South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site.  To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.”  This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.   Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.    South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.