Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Teacher Education expertise​/specialization in special education

Position: Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Teacher Education with expertise/specialization in special education
Location: Kingston

Position Information

Job Title Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Teacher Education with expertise/specialization in special education

Job Description Summary , Duties and Responsibilities,

Required Qualifications and

Preferred Qualifications

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 5, 2025. Applications received after December 5, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

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About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community.

URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University of Rhode Island's Feinstein College of Education seeks applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor in early childhood teacher education with a focus on early childhood special education. This is a full-time, nine-month appointment beginning in Fall 2026. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their teaching, scholarship, and/or service, will enhance the College's commitment to equitable educational practices and academic excellence.

The University of Rhode Island is an R1 research-intensive university with a commitment to high-quality teaching and community partnerships. The Feinstein College of Education is a community of educational scholars, leaders, and practitioners with a shared commitment to enhancing equity and inclusion within and outside of schools, bridging research and practice, and serving diverse and underserved populations.

The successful candidate will participate as a core faculty member in the early childhood and special education teacher education programs as well as COEDU graduate programs. The selected candidate will be expected to engage in scholarly research, publication, and presentation at professional conferences; secure internal and/or external grant funding; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; mentor doctoral students; participate in department and university committees;

and develop and maintain collaborative and professional partnerships with local schools and districts. It is a desire that this candidate will be able to work collaboratively across disciplines to advance both the College of Education and local district partners' needs to develop greater teacher preparation that addresses the lack of Prek-3 teachers with knowledge and expertise in special education.

ESSENTIAL KEY

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Developing and maintaining an appropriate agenda of research and funding; teaching early childhood and special education courses including, but not limited to early childhood development; early intervention; supervising teacher candidates in residency placements; advising undergraduate and graduate students; mentor doctoral students; and engaging in sustainable partnerships with local schools and districts to build knowledge and improve practices that serve a diverse population of students.

Duties may also include teaching courses and advising in additional programs in the College.

OTHER

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printer, word processing, database management and spreadsheet software.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is not substantially exposed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

1. Ph.D/Ed.D. in Education, Special Education, or closely related field (or expected completion of degree requirements prior to start of the Fall 2026 semester).

2. Record of scholarly activity commensurate with level of experience.

3. Experience as a PK-3 teacher in a school setting.

4. Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.

5. Proficiency in written communication skills.

6. Commitment to and/or experience in equity, social justice, and inclusion in education.

7. Experience working with diverse groups/populations.

PREFERRED:

* Experience developing, maintaining, and/or engaging in collaborative and professional partnerships with local schools and districts in the area of early childhood development and special education.

* College or university teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

* Experience collaborating with families and communities to promote the learning and development of young children.

* Experience teaching in pre-K to grade 3 in a public school environment with specific expertise/experience in special education or inclusive settings.

* Demonstrated…