AST/ASO PROF
Candidates forAssistant Professorshall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field or possess equivalent qualifications based on professional experience. A candidate shall be expected to demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended and have demonstrated qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.
Candidates forAssociate Professorshall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field or possess professional qualifications above those equivalent to the highest degree relevant to their field. They are expected to have produced creative work, professional writing, or research and successful teaching or professional experience. A candidate for this rank must have a distinguished record of achievement beyond the assistant professor level.
The 9-month tenure-accruing faculty appointment will begin in
The University of Florida is currently accepting applications for a tenure-line Assistant/Associate Professor of Special Education. The Special Education program is housed within the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies. Program faculty have an established reputation as leaders in (a) special education teacher education; (b) sustaining a robust special education teacher workforce; (c) and evidence-based literacy instruction to address the needs of students with dyslexia and other struggling readers. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain a systematic line of research, obtain external funding, advise and mentor graduate students, and teach courses within the Special Education Program. Additionally, candidates will engage in service to the school, college, university, and profession.
The 9-month tenure-accruing faculty appointment will begin inAugust 2026and includes the possibility of summer employment. The position provides a negotiable start-up package that may include reduced initial teaching, advising, and service loads, as well as moving expenses, computer and technology resources, and a graduate research assistant. The School’s faculty and four associated centers are national leaders in generating more than $50 million in external funding providing excellent opportunities for collaboration and support for research and scholarly productivity.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE:The College of Education at the University of Florida, founded in 1906, has consistently been ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation in Online Graduate Education for the last nine years, No. 2 nationally for undergraduate education and 6th nationally among public and private education schools (U.S. News & World Report). Three of the College's academic programs occupy top-20 spots in the U.S. News rankings: Counselor Education (1st), Special Education (4th), and Elementary Education (14th). Cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and public scholarship—often conducted in partnership with other UF colleges, school districts and communities across the state and nation—are yielding powerful learning systems and models that are helping to transform education in today’s changing world, starting with our youngest learners. Faculty researchers last year garnered more than $150.3 million in external awards supporting studies and projects addressing education’s most critical issues. With both on campus and online options, the college offers 29 bachelor’s and advanced degree programs and concentration areas, within nine academic specialties. To sustain the college's innovative edge, heightened emphasis on emerging technologies, student experience and interdisciplinary research will effectively prepare tomorrow's leaders in all education disciplines. The College's educator preparation programs have been continuously nationally accredited since 1954. Follow us: @UF_COE (X), @uf_coe (Instagram), @university-of-florida-college-of-education (LinkedIn), and @UF.COE (Facebook)
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:The University of Florida, founded in 1853, is a public land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant research university and one of the most academically diverse universities in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks UF 7th among public universities. National rankings such as 1st by the Wall Street Journal and 4th by Forbes in their respective lists of Public Universities are a result of UF’s commitment to provide the highest quality education at the best value. UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 200 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes, and boasts more than 6,600 faculty members, 60,000 students and 405,000 living alumni. Faculty scholars last year generated more than $1.26 billion in research awards. UF recently launched a $70 million AI partnership with NVIDIA, taking the first step toward ensuring equitable access to bringing AI to students and faculty from across campus and the state. The Florida Legislature designated UF as a “preeminent'' state university in 2013.
ABOUT THE AREA:UF is situated in Gainesville in North Central Florida, a vibrant college town that blends big-city cultural and athletic offerings with small-town friendliness and charm, along with excellent schools. Gainesville, located about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, is often recognized as one of America’s best college towns and is easily accessible to three major metropolitan areas (Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa). The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Gainesville as a “Tree City USA” every year since 1982. USA Today ranked Gainesville as the number one place to move in the Sunshine State. Add the allure of Florida’s famous sunshine, tropical breezes, and abundant wilderness, springs, rivers and seashores nearby, and it is little wonder that top-caliber faculty and students find our College and University to be the perfect balance of premier academics and a fulfilling lifestyle.
Salary is negotiable, competitive, and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- An earned doctorate in special education or a closely related field.
- A strong record of or potential for: (a) research and scholarly writing; (b) success in seeking, securing and/or administering external grants or contracts as related to rank; (c) successful teaching at the university level; (d) mentoring graduate students; (f) collaboration with faculty, students, and school-based personnel; and (g) active engagement with and/or leadership in relevant professional organizations.
- Experience with students with disabilities in early childhood and/or K-12 school settings.
Applicant should upload all materials to the University of Florida’s employment websitehttps://jobs.ufl.edu
.If technical assistance is needed, please contact Human Resources at (352) 392- 2477. Complete applications include: (1) a letter of application addressing required qualifications, (2) curriculum vitae or résumé, (3) up to two representative publications and/or papers, and (4) contact information for three references, who after further review will be asked to send a letter of recommendation through the online application system.
Applicants should reference requisition 537096, position number 00042676. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to Dr. Hannah Mathews ( hmmathews@coe.ufl.edu ), Search Committee Chair. We will begin reviewing applications onOctober 5, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and hiring authority.
The selection process will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida’s “Government in the Sunshine” and Public Records laws. Search Committee meetings and interviews are open to the public and all applications, resumes, and other documents related to the search will be available for public inspection. Final candidates will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credentialing Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org.
Freqently Asked Questions
An Assistant Professor typically holds a doctorate or equivalent experience, focusing on establishing research and teaching proficiency. Meanwhile, an Associate Professor demonstrates distinguished achievements beyond initial ranks, including significant scholarly contributions and leadership in special education, reflecting a deeper expertise and academic influence.
Professors engage in a blend of teaching specialized courses, mentoring graduate students, securing research funding, and participating in academic governance. Their day often balances classroom instruction with developing evidence-based literacy programs and collaborating with school districts to support students with disabilities.
Starting as an Assistant Professor, one builds a research portfolio and teaching record to qualify for tenure and promotion. Advancement leads to Associate Professor and potentially full Professor roles, involving greater leadership, grant acquisition, and influence on special education policies and program development.
Indeed, the Society fosters partnerships between its faculty and K-12 schools to enhance special education teacher training and literacy instruction. Such collaborations enrich research impact, support workforce development, and bridge academic theory with practical classroom applications.
Professors benefit from substantial start-up packages, including research assistants and technology resources. The Society's strong funding environment and national leadership in special education research enable faculty to secure external grants and pursue innovative projects aligned with their scholarly goals.
Salaries for Assistant/Associate Professors in Special Education at Gainesville's University of Florida are competitive, often aligning with or exceeding national benchmarks. Compensation is negotiable and reflects qualifications, experience, and local cost of living, making it attractive within the southeastern academic market.
Gainesville’s vibrant college town atmosphere offers excellent academic resources but also demands engagement with diverse student needs and community partnerships. Faculty must navigate a balance between rigorous research expectations and contributing to local educational initiatives in a competitive regional landscape.
Situated near major Florida metro areas, Gainesville provides access to varied school districts and diverse populations. This proximity facilitates impactful research collaborations and outreach programs that address regional special education challenges while benefiting from the city's supportive academic culture.
Success hinges on robust research capabilities, grant writing expertise, excellence in university-level teaching, and effective mentoring. Familiarity with early childhood and K-12 special needs education, along with active participation in professional organizations, distinguishes top candidates.
The program boasts top-tier rankings and a strong legacy in online and in-person education. Its faculty are noted leaders in evidence-based literacy and teacher workforce development, supported by significant external funding and interdisciplinary collaborations that drive innovative special education solutions.
Find The Related Jobs
The University Of New Mexico
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Albuquerque, NM
Texas Association of School Administrators
Director of Special Education
Kingsville, TX
MISTAFF
Special Education Aide
Union, MI
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS
Special Education Paraprofessional
Williamston, MI
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS
Special Education Teacher
Oscoda, MI
Michigan School Public Relations Association
Special Education Teacher
Auburn Hills, MI