Learning Specialist - Educational Affairs

Penn State University; Hershey, University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State College of Medicine seeks an experienced Learning Specialist to 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 role reports to the Associate Dean for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation, with responsibilities spanning Student Learning Support, the mandatory Student Success Program, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; Ed.D. or Ph.D. preferred in Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing learning skills and diagnosing barriers to effective learning.
• Significant experience providing academic coaching or learning support services to students in STEM or health professions.

Responsibilities

• Assess students’ learning needs and help them develop effective evidence-based study strategies.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, and online modules to promote active learning for diverse learners.
• Identify students at academic risk and provide individualized assessments and coaching.
• Design personalized study plans with measurable goals, timelines, and progress monitoring.
• Monitor progress and adjust interventions; collaborate with faculty and student affairs professionals.

Skills

Learning assessment

Academic coaching

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Ed.D./Ph.D. in related field

Job description

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.