Special Education Adjunct Faculty - Undergraduate Level

Overview

Position Summary

The Undergraduate College at National Louis University is seeking a Special Education Adjunct. This position is for our upcoming 2026 Terms and will be taught in-person during the day at either our Chicago, Wheeling campuses or online.

Who we are

We are a team of dedicated educators who have been working together to build an amazing new Instructional Model that supports first-generation students with a focus on the holistic student. The Pathways Program is in its second year serving undergraduate students at National Louis University. In 2016, we quadrupled in size and now serve almost 400 students and we expect to more than double in size next year. We work fearlessly on educating and retaining students. As a result, we have exceeded national benchmarks with our approach to appreciative advising and data-driven, personalized instruction. Our education is student-focused, expects excellence, provides personalized support in a data-driven environment all with the pillars of continuous improvement and innovation to structure our work.

Who you are

You are: Driven to Succeed. You are energetic and passionate about a diverse student body that includes many first-generation students. To be successful teaching in this program, you must be committed to excellence in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The position requires you to be agile, creative and engaging while offering a new curriculum and an unparalleled experience to undergraduate students. Enthusiastic candidates have the belief that all students can be successful students. As an active team member you believe in a supportive environment and a student-driven culture.

You will: Offer Best-in-Class Teaching and Learning.You believe that your work has demonstrated your respect for education and the power that it holds. Each term, you will facilitate blended classes that utilize technology and data to drive instruction. You will work with a dedicated team of Coaches and Instructors, Content Experts and Data Analysts to determine how to personalize the learning experience for your students. In addition to teaching content, you will also encourage growth mindset, increase non-cognitive skill development and nurture academic confidence.

You are ready to: Make an Impact.Each and every day, this program changes lives. You want to be a part of that meaningful innovation. You are someone that will always look for creative ways for students to earn success. We know this work is challenging, but we are in it together.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop an effective student experience for students.
• Facilitate courses assigned by delivering instruction in a blended environment.
• Maintain current and active knowledge in the expertise area that is reflected in instruction.
• Communicate professionally, relate well, and share a passion for postsecondary success for diverse learners.
• Participate in weekly meetings with coaches and assessors to report student progress and obstacles (SSC).
• Empower students to develop competency by sharing a passion for the subject and the skills.
• Promote student success by showing flexibility in delivery and work schedule to provide student support, as well as, exhibit a passion for teaching and engaging students in the learning process.
• Utilize technology-based teaching platforms, including an adaptive engine to aid students in the development of competencies.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Technology proficient.
• Excellent facilitation and classroom management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Agility.
• Ability to work with a highly diverse faculty and student body.
• Willingness/ability to use data to inform instruction.

Experience and/or Education

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field, with at least 18 credits in Special Education
• Currently hold or previously help the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement in Illinois
• Current or prior endorsement, certification, and/or licensure in special education.
• Experience with digital tools for teaching, teaching in either online or blended/hybrid formats is required.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish would be preferred.

The criteria for these positions vary but we recommend that candidates have a minimum of a Master’s degree plus relevant experience in the field. Earned Doctorate degree is preferred. Previous teaching experience, preferably including online teaching; plus demonstrated scholarship.

*Current professional teaching experience preferred.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Compensation and Benefits

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact.  Our institution values Adjunct Faculty's role in advancing our teaching mission and preparing our students for successful careers.  Adjunct Faculty have access to training resources for professional development, access to shared governance as a part of our Adjunct Council, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and paid time off.  A more complete list of Adjunct Faculty Benefits can be found here.

Adjunct Faculty are paid by course or assignment each term.  These rates vary by college and number of credit hours for the course/assignment.  While the specific amount will be indicated in an electronic contract that is issued to the Adjunct Faculty member when the course is assigned, an overview of standard rate structure is available below:

2025 Adjunct Faculty Rate Structure

Application Instructions

Please Include the following with your Application:

• Curriculum Vitae, required
• Transcripts (Official or Unofficial)
  • Official Transcripts for all related degrees, licenses/certificates will be required upon hire

Optional Additional Attachments:

• Teaching Philosophy
• Sample Syllabus
• Additional Licenses/Certifications
• Course Evaluations