The Educational Consultant is part of the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor to activities related to coaching teachers, supporting children’s social emotional development (Pyramid Model) birth to 6, and addressing challenging behavior in school districts and other early childhood programs in and around Nashville, as well as in other states, and disseminating the findings to research and practice communities. This position requires a master’s degree in early childhood special education or related field and experience teaching in early childhood settings. In addition, experience training and supporting educators is preferred. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator.

About the Work Unit

Ranked as the #1 Special Education Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade, our department has long been a leader both in research and practice.

The mission of the Department of Special Education is to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities through (a) the preparation of exceptionally competent teachers and researchers, (b) conducting research that informs and improves educational programs and behavioral interventions, and

(c) leadership in professional associations and advocacy for persons with disabilities. We are committed to equipping students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to provide exceptional services and supports to people with disabilities and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• An Educational Consultant in the Hemmeter lab supports research and technical assistance across grants and projects that serve the education and development of young children birth to 6. The lab’s research focuses on

• Coaching educators on developmentally appropriate practices using Practice-Based Coaching

• Strengthening educators’ implementation of practices to support young children’s social and emotional competence and prevent and address challenging behavior

• Supporting educators’ implementation of instructional strategies with young children with disabilities

• Functions include scheduling, developing, and delivering training, coaching, managing, and processing data, scheduling observations, collecting data, communication, and collaboration with professionals in the field, and developing resources.

• These functions are executed in a timely, accurate, clear, and collaborative manner. As the lab partners with various stakeholders, it is essential that the Educational Consultant individualizes training, communication, and support for different audiences and purposes.

• The goal of the Hemmeter lab is to implement and sustain research-based practices that promote positive child outcomes, and that programs, administrators, educators, and families have a positive experience working with our team.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the principal investigator.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in early childhood special education or related field is necessary.

• At least two years of early childhood teaching experience is strongly preferred, ideally in settings that include young children with disabilities. In addition, experience training and supporting educators is preferred.

  Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

  Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.