Adjunct Instructor, Special Education

Job DetailsJob Location: Forest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, OR 97116Position Type: Part TimeJob Category: Faculty and Staff Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Pacific University invites experienced special education teachers to join our pool of qualified, part-time adjunct faculty who wish to teach courses in special education teacher education. Our undergraduate teacher education program is committed to the liberal arts tradition of critical thinking and social justice, preparing future educators to serve as advocates and experts in K-12 special education. We are looking for instructors who can bridge the gap between theory and the daily realities of the classroom, ensuring our students are prepared for preliminary licensure with a robust, evidence-based toolkit.

Part-time teaching positions may be available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Applicants with expertise that matches the course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.

Core Instructional Areas

We are looking for expertise across several foundational areas, including:
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development: Navigating the legal and pedagogical nuances of writing compliant, high-quality IEPs.
Data Collection & Case Management: Systems for tracking progress and managing the administrative responsibilities of a special education caseload.
Instructional Methods: Designing and implementing both academic and functional curricula for diverse learners.
Behavior Management: Utilizing positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and functional behavioral assessments.
Assessment & Evaluation: Administering and interpreting formal and informal assessments to drive instruction.
Collaboration: Cultivating professional partnerships with families, related service providers, and general education colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality, in-person instruction on our Forest Grove campus.
Provide high-quality instruction and timely feedback to undergraduate students seeking
preliminary licensure in special education.
Engage with department faculty to ensure curricular alignment and student success.

QualificationsQualifications

Minimum Requirements

Education: A Master’s degree in Special Education or a closely related field.
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of full-time teaching experience in K-12 public school special education settings.
Licensure: Candidates must provide evidence of a current teaching license and good standing with TSPC.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching at the collegiate level or providing professional development to adult learners.
Strong familiarity with Oregon Department of Education (ODE) regulations and special education law.

Availability: Priority will be given to candidates with daytime availability for in-person instruction; however, some evening or online courses are available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit the following materials for consideration:

1. Letter of Interest specifying your areas of instructional expertise.

2. Current Resume/CV.

3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy (specifically addressing your approach to preparing undergraduate candidates for the K-12 special education environment).

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at [email protected].