Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Early Childhood Special Education) and Coordinator of Clinical Education

Job Overview

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Early Childhood Special Education) and Coordinator of Clinical Education

Beginning August 2025

POSITION SUMMARY. The Teacher Education program at Loras College announces a tenure track Assistant Professor position in early childhood special education. This individual will also serve as Coordinator of Clinical Education with a 50:50 split between teaching and clinical coordinator responsibilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching a range of courses for the undergraduate major, including course work for curriculum and methods related to early childhood special education (including infants and toddlers and pre-primary programs), Early Literacy and Language Acquisition and other courses within the Teacher Education Program as needed. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with community partners, coordinating field and student teaching placements, and overseeing all components of candidate licensure. They should also demonstrate a willingness to teach in the general education curriculum at Loras, engage with community schools and partners, provide academic advising to students, and supervise undergraduate research.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. A master's or doctoral degree in Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or related field from an accredited institution is required. A minimum of five years of experience teaching in early childhood programs with an appropriate teaching license is required. Experience with student teaching, community partners, field placements, and candidate licensure are desired. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and a willingness to communicate current trends in the field to students and a variety of other constituencies is also highly desirable. Candidates will be expected to support the mission of the College and respect the College's Catholic tradition.

COMPENSATION. Commensurate with qualifications, education and experience. Fringe benefits include medical/dental/life/disability insurance, flexible spending plan, TIAA retirement plan, tuition remission program, family membership in Graber Sports Center/San Jose Pool, free admission to many college events and free off-street parking.

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND EDUCATION. The School of Humanities and Education consists of 33 full-time faculty members and offers a variety of majors including Education, Criminal Justice, History, Politics, English, Spanish, Religious Studies, and Philosophy as well as a graduate program in School Counseling.

THE COLLEGE. Founded in 1839, Loras College is a Catholic, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts institution that includes pre-professional and career preparation programs, as well as several graduate programs. The Loras College community embraces the core values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence, and service that define the way we work, behave, and relate with others. These values align with our college mission: Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles. The student body consists of approximately 1,300 students, over 90 percent of whom are full-time undergraduates. The college is a wireless, laptop campus and there will be opportunity for developing technology-rich, interdisciplinary courses for the general education curriculum.

THE COMMUNITY. Loras College's 60-acre campus is located on one of Dubuque's highest bluffs, overlooking the Mississippi River at the junction of the states of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, about 3 hours west of Chicago. Dubuque's population is approximately 60,000 and its nineteenth century architecture is woven into limestone bluffs and provides a picturesque backdrop to the river landscape. Many residential and commercial areas have been designated as historical districts to preserve Dubuque's unique heritage. Its strong education base supports numerous cultural activities, and in addition, there are sporting events, shopping facilities, schools, and churches that are convenient to its residents. The climate has marked seasons with a comfortable summer, cool spring and fall, and a winter that encourages a variety of sports that have in recent years attracted a growing tourism industry.

APPLICATION DEADLINE. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. For more information contact the Chair of the Teacher Education Search Committee, Dr. Kate McCarthy-Gilmore, kate.mccarthy-gilmore@loras.edu, 563-588-7808.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE. Applicants must go to: http://loras.applicantpool.com/jobs/ to apply. Please upload your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior approval from the candidate. The finalist will need to pass a background check before receiving a written employment offer.

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an educational and work environment that is inclusive, rich in diversity, and supportive of all students, faculty and staff. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Please visit www.loras.edu for additional information about Loras College.