A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education (JM-AJ)
Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Teacher Education invites applications for adjunct faculty position teaching special education courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. These part-time positions become available in Fall 2026 for undergraduate in-person courses and graduate and dual-level online courses. We seek a colleague who has taught in a special education setting and possesses diverse perspectives, knowledge, and skills in methods for teaching special education in powerful, purposeful, and culturally responsive ways. Responsibilities include teaching courses at the undergraduate, graduate, or dual level, completing related grading and accreditation assessments, and working in collaboration to ensure consistency amongst sections of coursework. Applicants should indicate their educational background and work expertise related to teaching using online learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), as well as their availability for on-campus instruction.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree or equivalent in Special Education or other related field Endorsement in at least one area of special education (preference for Cognitive Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or Learning Disability). Three years of successful classroom experience as a special education teacher in a special education setting. Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
College-level teaching experience and/or student-teaching supervision and/or field supervision. Experience with curriculum alignment and assessment, and experience using Canvas as an online learning management system.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions. All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan. The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a "Great College to Work For" for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024). SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation. SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students' performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed. More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu. SVSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
