Instructional Specialist, PTI

The Prison Teaching Initiative (PTI) seeks an Instructional Specialist in the Humanities and Social Sciences to coordinate pedagogy and materials development for a suite of PTI courses related to their academic discipline, and oversee co-curricular programming for students at one correctional facility. PTI is a college-in-prison program partnering with 2- and 4-year degree granting institutions in New Jersey to provide accredited course work to incarcerated students at six correctional institutions. PTI instructors are Princeton University graduate students, postdoc, faculty, and staff members, who offer courses through an innovative team teaching model. As part of the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, PTI aims to provide the highest quality post-secondary education to our students, which includes a commitment to give instructors regular opportunities to participate in pedagogy trainings and other forms of professional development.

The Instructional Specialist’s role includes coordination of pedagogy development, instructional trainings and workshops, and oversight of graduate student fellows creating materials for the prison classroom. The Instructional Specialist will also provide direct instructor support through regular contact with teaching teams, onboarding new instructors, and occasionally accompanying instructors inside to teach.

As part of PTI's collaboration at the Federal Correctional Institution at Ft. Dix, Instructional Specialists will coordinate co-curricular student activities, including as a liaison with a student council. On Princeton's campus, Instructional Specialists will connect to relevant academic departments through instructor recruitment and event co-sponsorship. The Instructional Specialist may occasionally teach a PTI course when circumstances allow.

This is a full-time, 36-month term position, eligible for benefits. For full consideration, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter with their application.

Responsibilities

Team coordination

The Instructional Specialist with coordinate PTI teaching teams for courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences, including through new instructor onboarding, trainings, regular meetings, mid-term check-ins, and occasionally accompanying new instructors inside facilities to teach.

Pedagogy development

The Instructional Specialist will oversee pedagogy development in a suite of courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This role might include creating trainings and workshops, and supporting a teaching community of practice among PTI instructors.

Graduate student fellows oversight

The Instructional Specialist will co-manage a team of graduate fellows overseeing PTI course materials creation. This will include regular meetings with fellows and guided conversations on principles, goals, and logistics of materials creation.

Co-curricular activities coordination

At the Federal Correctional Institution at Ft. Dix, the Instructional Specialist will oversee co-curricular student activities to support and enhance coursework offered towards an associate degree. Activities might include a lecture series, professional development opportunities, clubs, and a student council.

Campus departmental liaison

The role will entail some coordination with academic departments and other units across Princeton's campus, including for instructor recruitment and co-sponsoring events.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s or professional degree

3+ years experience

Knowledge of the field of higher education in prison, either as a student, instructor, or other staff member (formerly incarcerated applicants welcomed)

Pedagogy expertise, including in lesson planning for active and student-centered learning, inclusive classroom management, and trauma-informed teaching

Experience as a classroom instructor in a Humanities or Social Science field

Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills for navigating large bureaucracies and academic institutions

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Proactive and creative problem-solving skills

High degree of professionalism, flexibility, and patience

Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with ability to multitask and prioritize projects

Ability to work with, and between, a variety of constituencies from diverse backgrounds;

Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

PhD preferred

Experience working with administrative and departmental units at 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education;

Mentorship experience, especially in an academic setting

Knowledge of the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in educational settings

Experience coordinating co-curricular educational activities for college students (including lectures, clubs, reading groups, etc.).

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Comments Related to End Date

36 month term; end date determined by start date

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Associate

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Full-Time