Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Special Education)

The Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University invites applicants for appointment to a 9-month, on-campus/residential position at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure track) of Teacher Education.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Full-time position (tenure-track for Assistant or Associate Professor rank) to primarily teach special education coursework (on-campus and online) to undergraduate candidates. Development of a research agenda, including the involvement of undergraduate candidates is expected. The successful candidate must be committed to excellence in undergraduate instruction, participate in the department's online learning activities, participate in internship supervision, and contribute to mentoring, service, and scholarly components of the College of Education. Information about the Department of Teacher Education is available at https://www.fhsu.edu/te/

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates must be ABD in a Ph.D. or Ed.D. program in Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field from a regionally accredited institution by the time of appointment. (Completion of doctorate before the beginning of the second year of employment will be required)

• Candidates must have completed a minimum of 18 graduate hours in Special Education from a regionally accredited institution.

• A minimum of 3 consecutive years of teaching experience in a K-12 school in the U.S.

• Knowledge of current research and best practices related to Special Education and teacher preparation in the U.S.

• Hold a current (or expired) state special education teaching license in the U.S.

• Must consistently be on campus in Hays, KS. (Virtual appointments or requests will not be considered.)

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at time of appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field from a regionally accredited institution.

• At least 5 consecutive years of experience teaching Special Education at the K-12 level.

• Higher education teaching experience.

• Online teaching experience.

RANK: Assistant Professor (Instructor rank for ABD)

APPOINTMENT DATE: August 2026

SALARY: $63,385 (Assistant Professor). Based on 90% of CUPA in accordance with FHSU policy.

BENEFITS: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1, 2026. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately following the priority deadline and will continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:  Applicants must submit the following materials:

• A letter of interest that specifically addresses how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position. In addition, the letter should provide a description of the applicant’s research agenda along with how they would contribute to the Department of Teacher Education, the College of Education, the FHSU campus and their professional community through their teaching and service.

• Curriculum vitae

• Unofficial transcripts

• Three references with names and contact information

   

Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Dr. Betsy Crawford

Search Committee Chair

Department of Teacher Education
blcrawford4@fhsu.edu  

785-628-4212

Community of Hays:

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.