Assistant Professor - Early Childhood (Birth to 5) Special Education

Overview

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a specialization in Early Childhood (Birth to 5) Special Education. In partnership with Uintah School District, this position will be housed at the newly created Central Cove Early Learning Center on the USU Uintah Basin campus in Vernal, UT. In addition to the teaching and research responsibilities outlined below, this faculty member will work collaboratively with other faculty members at the USU Uintah Basin campus to provide leadership and support to district personnel at the Central Cove Early Learning Center.

 

The mission of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at USU is to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities across educational, independent living, and employment domains by: 1) conducting research and outreach in collaboration with our community partners, 2) preparing high-quality professionals; and 3) identifying, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based practices. We seek candidates who are committed to fulfilling this mission and who wish to join an academic community that respects and supports the individual contributions of its members as we work towards our individual and collective goals.

 

The major emphasis area of the position will be teaching, and the successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in the department’s online undergraduate and master’s programs. As research will also be a part of the role statement, the successful candidate will also be expected to establish an independent program of research that both sustains and elevates the department’s regional and national reputation.

 

This is a full-time, 9-month academic year position located at the USU Uintah Basin campus in Vernal, UT. The position is not eligible for telework. Review of applicants will begin October 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2027.

 

Inquiries may be directed to the search committee chair, Naima Bhana Lopez ([email protected], 435-797-3212).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling faculty including:
• Teaching on-campus and distance undergraduate and/or graduate classes in early childhood special education,
• Supervising undergraduate and graduate student field experiences,
• Advising and mentoring graduate students,
• Providing leadership and support to Uintah School District staff at the Central Cove Early Learning Center,
• Carrying out an active line of research and publication on topics related to early childhood special education,
• Collaborating in department and university program development, and
• Providing service to the department, university, community, state, and scholarly discipline as appropriate.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate in special education or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered.
• Expertise in early childhood special education.
• Direct service experience with individuals with disabilities.
• A history of positive working relationships with teachers, clinicians, administrators, and faculty.
• Evidence of potential to be a excellent college-level teacher.
• Evidence of potential to be an effective, productive scholar and researcher.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Special education teaching experience in a public school setting.
• Experience providing training and support to special education professionals and paraprofessionals within a public school setting.
• BCBA-D certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (or eligibility for certification by the end of the first semester of employment).
• Evidence of potential to obtain extramural funding for research and/or training activities.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

A curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Names and contact information for three (3) professional references to be entered in the Candidate Profile

A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

College/Department Highlights

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling is recognized nationally for both personnel preparation and research. The Department offers special education degree programs at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels. The bachelor’s program prepares graduates to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, and/or young children with disabilities. The department offers three master’s programs: a Master of Science, that includes a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) verified course sequence, a Master of Education in Special Education, and a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling.

The department also sponsors a unique interdisciplinary doctoral (Ph.D.) program in Disability Disciplines which includes specializations in (1) special education, (2) applied behavior analysis, (3) rehabilitation counseling, (4) speech and language pathology, (5) audiology, (6) pathokinesiology, and (7) disability studies. Department faculty, along with colleagues from the university-affiliated Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice, have a well-established record of obtaining research and training grants, national and international consulting, editorial work on national journals, and leadership in professional organizations. 

 

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and service activities that advance education, improve health and well-being, and elevate human potential across the lifespan. The college is home to eight academic departments with approximately 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and impactful, student-focused graduate and undergraduate education. The college is consistently ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top Graduate Colleges of Education in the country, ranking among the top 30 public institutions of higher education in 2026 and 1st in the state of Utah since 2000. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and five stand-alone centers, including the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center, Center for the School of the Future, Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice, and National Center for Hearing Assessment & Management. Faculty, students, and staff within the college collaborate with a broad range of community partners to facilitate community-engaged research and provide transformative experiential learning opportunities. Through dedicated teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences advances education, health, and well-being, enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah.

 

Central Cove Early Learning Center is a state-of-the-art, 43,500-square-foot facility designed to foster inclusive, purposeful, and exploratory learning experiences for up to 384 students. The center features 12 integrated classrooms, two sensory rooms, a Kid's Kitchen, a Makerspace (STEAM room), an expansive indoor playground, and two inclusive outdoor playgrounds—one with traditional equipment and another offering a naturalistic space for exploratory, nature-based play. The hallmark of Central Cove is the collaborative support provided by on-site specialists, including Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists and Technicians, Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, a Physical Therapist, a School Psychologist, special education aides, and skilled classroom staff. These professionals work together to embed interventions and support into daily classroom interactions through a combination of push-in and pull-out services, ensuring individualized attention within an inclusive learning environment. This thoughtfully designed, world-class facility reflects Central Cove's commitment to nurturing children's growth through play, collaboration, and meaningful relationships, preparing every student for engaged learning and healthy connections with their families and peers.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

 

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

 

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

 

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

 

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

 

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

 

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

 

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

 

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

 

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

 

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

 

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

 

*updated 08/2026