Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Department of Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education; Special Education Program: In-Person: Reich College of Education (Suite 305) for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 (20 hours a week, $22 an hour plus $6,000 in tuition support).

The Department of Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education is one of five departments in the Reich College of Education, offering innovative programs that focus on all facets of child development, reading, writing, language arts, and specific areas of special education. These programs provide coursework and field experiences in a variety of settings and can lead to licensure.

This position is funded through a grant awarded to the Special Education faculty by the Department of Labor (Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 6
United States Department of Labor Award Number: 24A60WO000044-01-00) entitled Rural Equity for Special Education (RESE): Developing and Supporting Career Pathways in Special Education in Rural Appalachia.

Responsibilities:

• Assist faculty members in research-oriented tasks such as literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Manage multiple tasks related to the project to ensure deadlines are met and tasks are completed efficiently
• Maintain detailed records related to the research project including data entry
• Regularly meet and communicate with special education faculty members to provide project updates and additional tasks

Qualifications:

• Graduate Student Status: Currently enrolled full-time (9 credit hours per semester) in a relevant graduate degree program in good academic standing.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain detailed records, and meet deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and present research findings
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with relevant software
• Initiative and Independence: Ability to adapt to changing needs and work independently or with a team as needed

Benefits:

• Financial Support: Graduate pay plus tuition support
• Hands-On Research: Gain valuable experience in conducting research, which is crucial for your academic and professional development.
• Skill Development: Enhance your skills in data analysis, project management, and specialized techniques relevant to special education
• Professional Connections: Work closely with faculty members, researchers, and other professionals in your field, which can be beneficial for future job opportunities.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals
• Resume Building: Strengthen your resume with relevant experience that can make you more competitive in the job market.
• Publications and Presentations: Opportunities to co-author research papers and present findings at conferences

If you meet the qualifications, please apply for the position using this link. In the application, you will need to upload a file with your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your research experience and interest, and contact information for two references by April 1, 2025. Please direct any questions to Dr. Debra Prykanowski (prykanowskida@appstate.edu).