Part-Time Assistant Program Instructor

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor supports the design and delivery of curriculum for incoming first-year students on the autism spectrum through the Embark Penn State summer program (June 7-12, 2026). The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor represents an integral part of Embark Penn State, contributing to the program's educational vision and serving as an assistant Instructor during the program week.

The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will work closely with College of Education faculty to develop and refine program curriculum prior to Embark, then lead and facilitate sessions during the program week. They will partner with the Peer Coach Supervisor and peer coaches to coordinate session delivery and ensure a cohesive, well-supported experience for all participants. The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will help create a supportive, flexible, and engaging learning environment that recognizes individual differences in communication, learning, and social engagement.

This role provides an opportunity to develop instructional design, facilitation, and leadership skills within an applied higher education context. This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students with interests in special education, student success, educational program development, counseling, or related fields.

Job Duties-

• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will be responsible for contributing to curriculum development prior to the program and supporting program delivery throughout the program week (June 7-12, 2026), including approximately 40 hours of curricular development time and 40 hours of engagement during Embark.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will collaborate with College of Education faculty and staff to develop, refine, and organize curriculum and session materials in advance of the program week.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will serve as a facilitator during the program week, delivering sessions across Embark's core content areas: navigating Penn State, building community, preparing for college academics, and strengthening self-advocacy.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will partner with the Peer Coach Supervisor and peer coaches to coordinate session logistics, support student engagement, and ensure consistency across the program experience.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will engage with students using approaches grounded in evidence-based practices for supporting students on the autism spectrum, including executive-function scaffolding, structured reflection, and strengths-based facilitation.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will assist with small group discussions and campus exploration activities as part of the broader program schedule.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that recognizes sensory needs and varying preferences for communication, participation, and social engagement.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will work collaboratively with program staff and participate in team meetings and daily coordination during the program week.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor will be expected to complete all required paid training prior to the program.

Requirements and Qualifications-

• Applicants must be current graduate students at Penn State (preference for students in the College of Education).
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in curriculum development, instructional facilitation, and supporting students on the autism spectrum in higher education.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor must be dependable, responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• The Graduate Student Assistant Instructor must be able to commit to curriculum development work prior to the program and to the full program schedule (June 7-12, 2026).

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