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Assistant Professor of Special Education

Universities of Wisconsin · Platteville, WI · $60,000–$64,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about your own experience teaching students with disabilities in a K-12 setting.

What they are checking: Whether real classroom experience backs what they will teach future special educators.

What research and professional activity would you pursue alongside a heavy teaching load?

What they are checking: Whether their scholarship plan is realistic for a teaching-focused school of education.

How do you keep up with changes in special education law and state licensure requirements?

What they are checking: Whether their teaching stays accurate as IDEA guidance and Wisconsin licensure rules change.

What service would you take on in the department, university or with local districts?

What they are checking: Whether they see partnerships with schools as part of their service and have specific ideas.

What would you do

A teacher candidate in your class says inclusion does not work and students with disabilities hold the class back. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can challenge a belief with evidence and respect instead of shutting the student down.

How do you prepare candidates to work with families during difficult IEP meetings?

What they are checking: Whether they teach family partnership as a real skill that matters to student outcomes.

About the work

How would you teach the introduction to special education course that every education major takes?

What they are checking: Whether they can reach future general education teachers who may not see special education as their job.

The School of Education focuses on rural communities. What is different about special education in a small rural district?

What they are checking: Whether they understand rural realities like staff shortages, distance to services and teachers wearing many hats.

How would you teach students to write an IEP goal that is measurable and actually useful to a teacher?

What they are checking: Whether they know IEP practice well enough to move students beyond compliance paperwork.

You will teach both in person and online. How do you make an online methods course feel practical?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach applied skills online with real cases, video and feedback, not just readings.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

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. Position Title: Assistant Professor of Special Education Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Position Summary: The School of Education seeks two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professors of Special Education with an anticipated start date of August 2027. The successful candidates will teach undergraduate courses in special education and professional education, engage in research and professional activity, and contribute to university and departmental service. Candidates with experience teaching in rural settings are especially encouraged to apply, in alignment with the School of Education’s mission to meet the needs of rural communities. The Universities of Wisconsin has a nationally top ranked retirement plan  and a comprehensive benefits package. Salary for this position is $60,000-$64,000 per academic year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Key Job Responsibilities: The primary responsibility will be teaching a variety of undergraduate courses, both in person and online, including courses within the special education minor, the introduction to special education course for all education majors, and professional education courses. Supervising student teaching and pre-student teaching clinical experiences may also be included. The typical teaching load is 12 credits per semester. Additional duties Include : • Utilize current best practices in teacher education to support undergraduate student learning in the classroom. • Mentor and advise undergraduate students including undergraduate student research and scholarly activities. • Provide leadership for the Special Education Minor. • Engage in departmental, university, and community service and outreach activities including working with PreK-12 educators. • Collaborate with faculty and staff colleagues within the School of Education, across campus, and in partner K-12 schools to complete program tasks and goals. • Engage in research or scholarly activity and continuing education. • Assess student learning outcomes and engage in feedback-driven course and program improvements. Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. or Ed.D. in special education, curriculum and instruction, counseling, educational leadership, or closely related field. Degree must be conferred by January 1, 2028. • Demonstrated professional experience applying inclusive, evidence-based practices and applicable legal requirements to design, implement, and evaluate PreK–12 learning environments to support students with special needs. • Demonstrated professional experience collaborating with stakeholders such as families, general education teachers, pupil services professionals, or related service providers to support learning for students with special needs. • Evidence of a strong commitment to undergraduate education including the preparation of pre-service teachers. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Advanced knowledge and skills related to special education documented by a record of professional development, research, or publications related to special education. Why it is great to be a Pioneer: The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and liberal arts. The Platteville campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest community, which has a rich history rooted in mining —particularly lead mining —dating back to the early 19th century. The region offers excellent school systems, high-quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville serves as a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The School of Education in the College of Liberal Arts and Education serves as the academic home for the Elementary Education major and a growing Special Education minor leading to K-12 licensure. The school also supports all campus programs leading to teacher licensure. The school models a place-based framework by partnering with school districts and other resources in the rural communities of the region. Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 24, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. The following documents are required for applicant consideration: • Letter of application addressing all required qualifications • Current curriculum vitae • Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references For questions regarding this position, please contact the School of Education at education@uwplatt.edu. Legal Notices and Important Information: Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices. The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources. Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action. In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report. The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). 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. Required Postings: Labor Law Poster - English Labor Law Poster - Spanish Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update

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