Part-Time Assistant Program Instructor

Penn State University • University Park, IL

2d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborating with College of Education faculty and staff to develop, refine, and organize curriculum and session materials in advance of the program week.
• Serving 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.
• Partnering with the Peer Coach Supervisor and peer coaches to coordinate session logistics, support student engagement, and ensure consistency across the program experience.
• Engaging 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.
• Assisting with small group discussions and campus exploration activities as part of the broader program schedule.
• Helping create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that recognizes sensory needs and varying preferences for communication, participation, and social engagement.
• Working collaboratively with program staff and participate in team meetings and daily coordination during the program week.
• Completing all required paid training prior to the program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees