Learning Specialist - Educational Affairs

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an experienced Learning Specialist to provide individualized academic support and design evidence-based interventions for medical students. You will collaborate with faculty and student affairs to promote success across the medical education curriculum and report to the Associate Dean for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation.

Responsibilities include coaching, running workshops, managing the Student Success Program for at‑risk students, and

Qualifications

• Master's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Experience providing academic coaching or learning support to diverse student populations.
• Strong collaboration with faculty, student affairs, and leadership to promote student success.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support students’ learning needs with evidence-based strategies.
• Develop workshops and online modules to promote active learning.
• Lead the Student Success Program for at-risk students with regular meetings.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs to connect tutoring, counseling, and disability services.
• Help design faculty development and educational programming; maintain FERPA-compliant records.

Skills

Student Learning Support

Academic Coaching

Learning Science

Educational Technologies

Workshop Facilitation

Education

Master's Degree

Ed.D./Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

FERPA (compliance)

Job description

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.

Penn State College of Medicine seeks an experienced and student-centered Learning Specialist to join our dynamic team of medical educators and academic support professionals. The Learning Specialist will provide individualized academic support, develop evidence-based learning interventions, and collaborate with faculty and student affairs professionals to promote student success throughout the medical education curriculum. This position will report to the Associate Dean for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

Student Learning Support and Academic Coaching

• Assess students' learning needs and help them develop effective, evidence-based learning and study strategies.
• Maintain expertise in innovative educational practices, learning science, instructional technologies, and resources that support student success.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, and online learning modules that promote active learning and effective study strategies for diverse learners.
• Identify and support students experiencing academic difficulty through individualized academic assessments and coaching.
• Develop personalized study and remediation plans, including measurable goals, timelines, and progress monitoring.
• Establish clear expectations for academic performance and monitor student progress toward achieving academic success.

Student Success Program

• Design, implement, and manage the mandatory Student Success Program for students identified as academically at risk.
• Enroll students in the program following three borderline grades or one Did Not Meet (DNM) performance designation.
• Evaluate the need for disability accommodations and facilitate appropriate referrals when warranted.
• Conduct weekly individual meetings with participating students.
• Review and provide feedback on required weekly study plans.
• Review at least one student-generated study product each week and provide targeted coaching and recommendations.
• Monitor student progress and determine continued participation in the program.
• Support students in the program until they achieve a passing score above borderline on their next summative assessment.

Collaboration and Student Support Services

• Meet regularly with Student Affairs and Educational Affairs teams to support student success initiatives.
• Collaborate with College of Medicine leadership and support services to facilitate referrals to tutoring, counseling, disability services, society advisor coaches, and career advising resources.

Faculty Development and Program Administration

• Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of peer tutors and attend peer-led tutoring sessions as appropriate.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and deliver faculty development workshops, consultations, and educational programming.
• Maintain student records and documentation in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Collect, analyze, and report programmatic data to identify trends in student needs and inform continuous program improvement.
• Support student-focused events and activities, including orientation, transitions programming, graduation, and related functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel between the Hershey and University Park campuses may be required.
• Participation in occasional evening programs or meetings may be necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's, Ed.D., or Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Adult Education, Learning Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing learning skills and diagnosing barriers to effective learning.
• Significant experience providing academic coaching, counseling, or learning support services to undergraduate, graduate, or professional students in STEM disciplines.
• Experience supporting medical students or other health professions learners preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals.
• Experience developing educational programming, workshops, and student success initiatives informed by learning science and educational research.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

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