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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Readiness Institute at Penn State is a Penn State Outreach initiative that collaborates with education, industry, and community partners to create learning experiences for all learners. We believe that community and future readiness is achieved when learners – regardless of their zip code, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability level – are able to develop the skills, attitudes, and values needed to design and lead in matters personal, professional, and public.
The Readiness Institute at Penn State Summer Discovery is a five-week experience for rising high school seniors in the Altoona region that aims to prepare every learner to become community and future ready.
Participants will establish relationships and rituals, complete project sprints to solve real-world problems, and reflect, share, and plan a personalized roadmap. After the program, learners will have access to further support including mentorship, learning experiences and workshops, connections with their peers, and networking. Learn more about the program at https://readinessinstitute.psu.edu/programs/summer-discovery/.
About this role:
We are currently looking for junior instructors for the 5-week Readiness Institute Summer Program to guide and support learners as they work to create their personalized roadmap for success. The program will run from June 29 – July 30, 2026, with instructor onboarding and training during the week of June 22. Working 30 hours per week (Monday-Thursday) from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, junior instructors will work under the direction of experienced instructors and Readiness Institute program staff.
Over the course of the program, you will be paired with a team of other instructors to support a cohort of 20 learners from diverse backgrounds and will supervise and mentor learners as they engage in community and future readiness workshops, work to develop various soft skills, and visit local businesses, community organizations, and institutions of higher education.
Job Responsibilities:
- Support learners using evidence-based, inclusive practices to develop their personalized roadmaps
- Promote adolescent students’ academic, social, and community readiness
- Supervise and engage students during onsite and offsite programming
- Understand and support implementation of the program curriculum
- Maintain a positive, orderly learning environment through effective behavior management
- Demonstrate professionalism and follow all policies and procedures
- Build strong, communicative relationships with students and staff
- Participate in collaborative professional learning
Qualifications:
- Are currently in their 3rd or 4th year of university-level studies, preferably studying education or a related field
- Have a minimum of 1 year of experience working with teens
- Passionate about education and helping students explore and identify their individualized educational pathway
- Have experience working with and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and experience with multicultural conflict resolution
- Are patient and supportive with students and colleagues and possess excellent communication skills
- Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving skills
- Proactive, eager to learn, and open to feedback
Compensation:
Readiness Institute junior instructors will be paid biweekly at a rate of $20.59/hour for approximately 30 hours of work per week.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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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