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Title: Content Area Specialist - Special Education Behavior Assessment Training Project
Department: Special Education
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The BAT Content Area Specialist serves as the instructional and content lead for the Behavior Assessment Training (BAT) Project, providing strategic direction for the development, alignment, and quality of all professional learning related to Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and function-based behavior supports.

Additional Information

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$8,000-$8,700/month

University Benefit Highlights

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life 
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options 
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents 
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks 
- Paid benefit time 
 
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

Required Qualifications

● Master’s degree in special education, behavior analysis, school psychology, or a closely related field, with advanced coursework, leadership preparation, or doctoral-level study in special education, behavior or a related discipline documented on transcripts, resume or curriculum vitae.
● Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience supporting students with disabilities, including at least five (5) years of experience conducting, supervising, or providing technical assistance related to Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) for students with intensive or complex behavioral support needs.
● Experience leading the design and delivery of professional learning focused on FBAs, BIPs, and function-based behavior interventions, evidenced by responsibility for curriculum development, sequencing of content, and facilitation of professional learning.
● Experience supporting or supervising the professional learning of other educators or trainers, such as teacher candidates, paraprofessionals, instructional staff, or regional specialists, evidenced by formal roles (e.g., supervisor, coordinator, instructor, content lead).
● Demonstrated experience coordinating or leading behavior-related professional learning across multiple sites, programs, or districts, with documented responsibility for ensuring instructional consistency and quality of FBA/BIP implementation.
● Working knowledge of IDEA and related state and federal requirements governing behavior support, discipline, and procedural compliance, evidenced through professional responsibilities involving FBA/BIP development, review, and implementation.
● Demonstrated experience applying adult learning theory, culturally responsive practices, and trauma-informed approaches to the design and facilitation of professional learning related to behavior assessment and intervention.
● Demonstrated ability to analyze participant feedback, implementation data, or fidelity measures to inform revisions to FBA/BIP professional learning content or delivery.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of curriculum writing, facilitation, and professional presentation.
● Ability to travel regionally and work flexible hours as required.

Preferred Qualifications

● Doctoral degree or current doctoral candidacy in special education, behavior analysis, or a related field.
● Experience teaching, supervising, or coordinating coursework or field-based experiences in higher education.
● Experience serving in a content lead, curriculum director, or instructional leadership role within a grant-funded, statewide, or multi-district initiative.
● Experience designing and supporting professional learning delivered by others, including development of facilitator guides, fidelity tools, or instructional calibration processes.
● Experience presenting at state, regional, or national conferences related to special education, behavior, or discipline reform.
● Familiarity with Illinois education systems, ISBE initiatives, and statewide efforts related to behavior, discipline, or equity.
Applicants may be asked to provide examples of professional learning materials, curricula, or training artifacts during the interview process.

Work Hours

The core work hours of this position are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Position occasionally requires work beyond regular office hours.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

February, 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume/C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Contact Information for Applicants

Nikki Michalak, nakempe@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.