Visual Impairments Lecturer

Description

The Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a one-year renewable appointment, for a 10-month lecturer position with a specific focus in the area of visual impairments. Contract term will run from August 1, 2027-May 31, 2028. The duties of the position are to teach courses in the visual impairments teacher preparation program; secure and supervise practicum placements; supervise students in practicum and student teaching; advise students in the visual impairments program, and serve on departmental and university committees.

 

For more than 100 years, the Visual Impairments Program at Peabody College has been a leader in training and graduating professionals to work with students who are visual impaired, blind, and deafblind. As part of the Department of Special Education, we partner with school districts, local and state education agencies, disability organizations, community groups, and the Tennessee Department of Education to meet the needs of students with visual impairments, as well as to prepare the next generation of teachers and scholars.

 

Courses in the Visual Impairments Program meet weekly and are primarily online (synchronously) 3 weeks per month. Students also come campus one Saturday per month for in-person classes. Due to the program’s low-residency model, candidates from outside the greater Nashville area are encouraged to apply with the expectation that an on-campus presence is only required for the limited days/year that students are on campus.

Qualifications

Required:

•        Teacher licensure in Visual Impairment Special Education.
•        Experience working with students as a teacher of the visually impaired at the preK-12 level.
•        An established record (or demonstrated potential) of activities such as presenting to practitioners and education leaders.
•        Experience in developing instructional materials for adult learners.
•        Experience in preparing or mentoring pre-service and/or in-service teachers of the visually impaired is necessary.

 

Preferred:

•         Doctorate-level professional, though candidates with a master’s degree and relevant experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.
•         Teaching experience in higher education.
•         Certification as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

 

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit an application letter describing their qualifications, interest in teaching at the college level, and how their accomplishments address the qualifications noted above. They should forward a curriculum vitae, teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching and mentoring effectiveness, and contact information for three people from whom letters of reference may be requested. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries regarding this position should be addressed to: Dr. Rachel Schles, Search Committee Chair, at rachel.schles@vanderbilt.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.