Job Description

The Department of Teaching and Leadership at Pittsburg State University seeks an elementary education faculty member specializing in both special education and literacy. Experience will be considered in determining rank. The position will begin August of 2027. The department invites energetic, collaborative educators in special education and literacy who are committed to high-quality teaching to join an established faculty to partner in mentoring and instructing undergraduate students to become elementary and special education and literacy leaders in their respective professions. This new faculty member will be expected to teach courses specifically focused on special education topics and evidence-based approaches to literacy acquisition based on the science of reading. The successful candidate must have specific training and experience applying Structured Literacy methodologies. Applicants with doctoral degrees will be considered for tenure track (ABD will also be considered).

The Department of Teaching and Leadership serves 305 undergraduate majors and 314 graduate students. Excellence in teaching is emphasized. Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive regional university with an enrollment of 5,200 students and is in the city of Pittsburg, Kansas (approximate population of 20,000; City of Pittsburg Website).

1. Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure curriculum and instruction meets the standards for teacher licensure as outlined by the Kansas State Department of Education
• Ensure all curriculum and instruction for literacy courses taught are grounded in Structured Literacy
• Faculty member will have an expectation of Teaching, Scholarship, and Service as outlined by the Department and College Tenure and Promotion documents
• Deliver assigned courses in literacy and special education through in-person instruction on campus unless otherwise directed by Pittsburg State University
• Maintain regular on-campus office hours in line with Pittsburg State University and department guidelines   
• Supervising clinical experiences

1. Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience – Time of Hire

• Doctoral degree or ABD from a regionally accredited institution by August of 2027 in special education or reading or related field
• Teaching certification or endorsement in special education OR literacy specialist
• Three or more years of successful PreK–6 special education teaching in an accredited school or equivalent setting
• Holds reading specialist licensure or credentials in an accredited dyslexia therapy program

Candidate's must hold a doctoral degree (or ABD) in Special Education or Reading discipline or related field. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Experience – 

• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience including working with diverse student populations, teaching a variety of content areas, and conducting a variety of assessments
• 1 year or more University teaching experience, preferably at the undergraduate level
• Evidence of teaching in-person and online
• Experience in teacher preparation
• Experience in service to the profession or field of education

Job Type:  Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure Earning

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and check.

Position Start Date:  August 10, 2027

Application Documents Required*:

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vita
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Names and contact information (address, email and phone) of three references.
• Unofficial Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts

*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload.

First Consideration Date: November 30, 2026

Search Committee Chair: Dr. Marcus Daczewitz (mdaczewitz@pittstate.edu)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State’s 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.

Pitt State’s hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you’ll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.