Description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas, Department of Special Education, Unified Early Childhood (UEC) and Early Childhood Unified (ECU) Program anticipates openings for the position of University Supervisor in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The University Supervisor is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Sciences (SOEHS). The supervisor serves as the liaison between the SOEHS and the early intervention (IDEIA Part C; 0-3 years old) provider and/or the early childhood education/early childhood special education provider (IDEIA Part B; 3-21 years old) where teacher candidates are placed for their student teaching/internship. Providers may be early intervention organizations or cooperatives, childcare centers, early childhood classrooms associated with Early Head Start/Head Start, and classrooms serving children in EI/ECSE (birth to 3rd grade) affiliated with unified school districts. The primary function of the university supervisor is to provide guidance for the teacher candidate in their development of teaching competency and to give assistance to the clinical supervisor.

University supervisors should have academic backgrounds and experience in the field of special education and have taught successfully at the levels they supervise. We are seeking university supervisors who have prior teaching experience in the areas of early intervention (birth to age 3) and early childhood (3 years to 3rd grade). Supervisors must be available to observe and conference with teacher candidates during the traditional childcare and/or school day (e.g., 7am-6pm CST).

Amount of work required can vary by position and will range in FTE.

Applications will be accepted throughout the year. The successful applicant must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.

Job Description

100% - Supervisors are responsible for the following:

• Attend University Supervisor Training sessions, seminars, and meetings
• Initiate and attend an initial meeting with the clinical supervisor and teacher candidate
• Conduct pre- and post-conference meetings for every formal observation to assist in improving instruction, analyzing problems, identifying strengths, and reflecting on teaching effectiveness
• Review lesson plans prior to formal observations
• Participate in problem-solving and remain flexible in seeking solutions
• Complete required formative and summative evaluation forms
• Conduct four formal formative observations and one summative evaluation for each teacher candidate during the practicum/internship experience
• Communicate regularly with assigned teacher candidates and their clinical supervisor
• Promote and sustain positive working relationships between the clinical supervisor, the teacher candidate, and the principal/coordinator/director
• Respond to emails, phone calls, questions and other inquiries in a timely manner
• Suggest specific instructional strategies or approaches if teacher candidates are unsuccessful in implementing particular lesson plans or have management problems that will reach a wide variety of learners
• Promote teacher candidates' self-reflection via journaling and observations (which may occur virtually or face-to-face)
• Communicate concerns with the UEC and ECU Fieldwork Coordinator and/or Practicum/Internship Course Instructor to keep them updated and involved with solutions; the direct individual with which to communicate will be detailed after employment is secured
• Document plan of action/interventions used to assist teacher candidates in gaining skills
• Act as a critical resource for teacher candidates as they face the challenges of teaching and learning
• Respect the cultural implications and expectations of the school

Required Qualifications

1. The applicant must hold a master's degree in Education or other field appropriate to subject area and a minimum of 5 years relevant early intervention (birth to 3 years) or early childhood education/early childhood special education (3 years to 3rd grade)-teaching or administrative experience.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and university faculty.
3. Experience observing and evaluating teaching performance.
4. Knowledge of working with a wide range of populations of young children and educators, including an ability to integrate supportive, and culturally sustaining practices into supervision and feedback.
5. Basic technology knowledge including Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, TEAMS, Powerpoint, Outlook) and electronic video communication,
6. Ability to provide in-person early intervention (birth to 3 years) or early childhood education/early childhood special education (3 years to 3rd grade) observations in the Kansas City metro area.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to travel to multiple school settings within a 50-mile radius of Lawrence, KS.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes: an online application, a resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references.

Review of applications will be ongoing.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.