Adjunct Instructor, Special Education

Adjunct Instructor, Special Education

Forest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, OR

Position Type:
Part Time 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

• 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.

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.

Pacific University is 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…