Special Education - Adjunct Instructor

Position Summary

The Undergraduate College at National Louis University is seeking a Special Education Adjunct.

This position is for our Winter Term and will be taught in-person during the day at our Chicago and/or Wheeling campuses.

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.

About NLU:

National Louis University (NLU) is looking to honor its past while defining a bold new future as a contemporary, comprehensive university that prepares diverse students for sustained professional success with a deep commitment to Access, Excellence, Innovation and Equity. The university is focused on inspiring and empowering all learners to be leaders ready to address tomorrow's challenges in the context of increasing global urbanization. NLU is dedicated to providing a career-building, life-changing education that is accessible to all students. The University offers 80 +programs within its five colleges: National College of Education, Kendall College of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management, Undergraduate College, College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Business and Information Technology. The University serves over 9,700 students per year and has experienced unprecedented growth in its undergraduate programming. Most students are from Illinois, but the University also attracts students from throughout the U.S. and from around the world who take advantage of campus based, blended and online programming.

Founded in 1886, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit university offering programs through the doctoral level. NLU is also classified as an Engaged Institution by the Carnegie Foundation and has been named as a top ten institution by Money Magazine where its alumni believe they are making the world "a better place." The University has had more Golden Apple Award winners among its graduates in teacher preparation than any institution across the state. The University has a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is among the top 25 most diverse national universities according to U.S. News and World Report (2019). Graduates from NLU enter the workforce earning an estimated $43,000 per year after graduation, ranking NLU among the top five of all Illinois post-secondary schools. The University has received more than $80 million in funding for applied research projects in urban development, child development, school improvement, and teacher preparation. NLU recognized as a national leader in closing the post-secondary completion through its innovative approach to undergraduate education. NLU is located in the center of Chicago's downtown loop, across the street from the Art Institute, in an area which has been recognized as America's largest campus with over25 institutions and 50,000 students attending a college across the city. In addition, the University has several suburban locations and a Florida regional campus.

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.

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.