Assistant Professor, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Special Education

About the Position

San Francisco State University, Department of Special Education offers an exciting opportunity for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) beginning August 2027. We seek a colleague whose teaching and research interests include expertise in supporting individuals diagnosed with disabilities that require mild to moderate support needs. We are especially interested in qualified candidates with a demonstrated commitment -- through their research, teaching, and service -- to the diversity and excellence of our academic community and department.

About San Francisco State University

SFSU is a major public urban university, situated in one of the world's great cities. Building on a century-long history of commitment to quality teaching and broad access to undergraduate and graduate education, the university offers comprehensive, rigorous, and integrated academic programs that require students to engage in open-minded inquiry and reflection. SFSU prepares its students to become productive, ethical, active citizens with a global perspective.

Mission Statement

SFSU educates and equips students to thrive in a global society. We deliver academic excellence by pursuing knowledge, inspiring creativity, supporting our diverse community and advancing social justice and positive change in the world.

About The Graduate College Of Education

The Graduate College of Education has close to 1,000 students and serves the San Francisco peninsula and Bay Area, providing teachers in every subject and many specializations. Our Statement of Purpose is that "The GCOE develops transformative and visionary educators, clinicians, and leaders for social justice, to effect change for good across the Bay Area and beyond, and to create an engaged, and productive democracy. Together we do the work necessary to understand and welcome all; prepare equity-focused, caring, and highly skilled professionals; to identify and dismantle racist, ableist, and oppressive systems; and to build an equitable and accessible present and future."

About The Department Of Special Education

The Department of Special Education within the Graduate College of Education at SF State is one of the most comprehensive departments of special education in California. We serve students at the undergraduate, post baccalaureate credential, masters, and doctoral levels. We offer an Undergraduate Minor in Special Education, an Undergraduate Minor in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language, four SF State Scholars programs, an Integrated Teacher Education Pathway (ITEP), five stand-alone credential programs including Early Childhood Special Education, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Visual Impairment and Orientation & Mobility, an alternative intern credential pathway, Masters in Special Education, and a Ph.D. in Special Education (joint doctoral program with UC Berkeley). At the heart of the work in the Department of Special Education is a commitment to inclusion, belonging, and equity for disabled individuals in schools, communities, and society. We believe every person has the right to be recognized and valued as a full member of our communities, honoring the diverse and intersecting identities we all hold. Through research, teaching, and service, we strive to ensure that special education supports and services are individualized, asset-based, culturally sustaining, collaborative, and interdisciplinary.

Responsibilities

• Graduate, credential and undergraduate teaching in the area of mild to moderate support needs
• Mentoring and advising graduate, credential and undergraduate students
• Developing an active ongoing scholarship program in one's area of specialty
• Ongoing committee and service assignments in the department, college and university

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited program. Terminal degree must be completed by the first day of employment.
• Record of successful teaching, preferably in public schools, that includes students with disabilities
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate inclusion and educational equity in teaching, and/or scholarship
• Record of working and communicating effectively with colleagues and students

Compensation

The Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $97,000 to $99,000 annually (12 monthly payments per academic year). Salary offered is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, the California Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying its employees less than those of the opposite sex and/or another race or ethnicity for substantially similar work. Professional development funds, moving expenses, start-up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available. The California State University (CSU) provides generous health, retirement, and other benefits.

Application Procedure

A complete online application must be submitted to receive consideration. Application review begins October 15, 2026 and continues until position is filled. To apply, please begin the application process and upload the following materials:

• Cover letter relating your experience to the required qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• A teaching philosophy statement that is no more than 500 words that provides a clear summary of how you approach teacher education in support of SFSU's diverse student and community populations. As part of this, provide specific examples of how you center disability, inclusion and equity in your teaching.
• Up to three samples of recent scholarly publications, conference publications, and/or other scholarly work that represent expertise and potential as a researcher
• Names and contact information of three references who will provide letters of recommendation upon request

Please direct all questions about the position to Denise Miyajima, Department of Special Education Department Coordinator at dmiya@sfsu.edu.