Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor (Learning, Design, and Technology UP 36 weeks)

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks an Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor to support undergraduate Programming in Learning, Design, and Technology at University Park and other LPS programs. The role emphasizes teaching, mentoring, and collaborative course development in a supportive, student-centered department.

Responsibilities include teaching in-person and hybrid courses, coordinating with instructional designers, supervising undergraduates, and contributing to capstone projects

Qualifications

• Evidence of excellence, or potential excellence, in undergraduate teaching and inclusive pedagogy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated strengths in time management and organization.

Responsibilities

• Teach face-to-face and hybrid undergraduate courses in fall and spring.
• Coordinate with LDT faculty, instructional designers, and media specialists for course delivery and accessibility.
• Supervise undergraduate students and assist in LDT undergraduate minor efforts.
• Collaborate with department leadership and staff to support program operations.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

PhD or EdD in education or related field

Tools

Canvas

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Learning & Performance Systems (LPS invites applications for an Instructor or Assistant Teaching Professor position to support its undergraduate programming in Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) at the University Park campus, and other LPS programs, as needed. Join a collaborative program focused on undergraduate learning design, where you will guide students in connecting learning theory to the creation of effective, technology-enhanced learning environments. Faculty in this role play a central part in mentoring students through applied coursework, as well as support a culminating design capstone that emphasizes the development of job‑ready learning design skills. This non-tenure-line position is a 36‑week faculty appointment, with the possibility of renewal. It has primary responsibilities in undergraduate teaching. Faculty in LPS are part of a collegial, student-centered department that prioritizes strong teaching, thoughtful collaboration, and a positive, supportive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach face‑to‑face and hybrid undergraduate courses in the fall and spring
• Coordinate with LDT faculty, instructional designers, and media specialists to ensure high‑quality course development and delivery, accessibility/UDL, media integration, and continuous improvement
• Led LDT undergraduate minor efforts including supervising undergraduate students
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the LPS department head, professor‑in‑charge of the LDT program, faculty colleagues, and department staff to support cohesive and responsive program operations
• Participate in department and program meetings and events
• At Assistant Teaching Professor level only: teach online master’s classes and advise master’s or DEd students throughout the program, including capstone completion

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• At Instructor level: Earned master’s degree in education; learning sciences; educational technologies; learning, design, and technology; or a closely related field
• At Assistant Teaching Professor level: Earned doctorate (PhD or DEd) in education; learning sciences; educational technologies; learning, design, and technology; or a closely related field
• Evidence of excellence, or potential excellence, in undergraduate teaching and inclusive pedagogy
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated strengths in time management, ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, and organization

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with and expertise in learning technologies and / or education design work
• Familiarity with Canvas, teaching quality standards, and program assessment
• Experience designing or revising courses in collaboration with instructional designers and other faculty members
• Understanding of the ethics surrounding the uses and integration of AI in higher education courses
• Evidence of student‑centered responsiveness including the ability to provide timely feedback and grading, respond promptly to students, and manage multiple course deadlines in fast paced environments
• At Assistant Teaching Professor level: Supporting teaching assistants and graduate students as instructors
• Representative Teaching Portfolio LDT (examples): Primary: World Technologies and Learning and Making with Art and Learning Technologies. Secondary: Effective Communication and Teaching Strategies for Corporate and Community Educators; Creating Designs for Learning; Advanced Learning Experience Design Lab (minor capstone); Systematic Instructional Development; Gaming to Learn; Educational Technology Integration; Emerging Web Technologies and Learning Application

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.