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
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Special Education
Penn State Altoona, Division of Business, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences
Penn State Altoona invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-line position at the rank of Instructor/Assistant Teaching Professor of Education with expertise in Special Education in areas of high incidence disabilities. T his position is a thirty-six-week appointment for fall and spring semesters, with an August 2026 start date. Candidates for the position at the rank of Instructor will possess a master’s degree and candidates for the position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor will possess a terminal/doctorate degree Specialization is open, but preference will be given to candidates with expertise or experience with elementary and early childhood. Experience in PreK-12 classrooms is preferred.
Teaching Responsibilities Primary duties include teaching special education law, assessment in inclusive settings, Applied Behavior Analysis, and evidence-based methods for instruction in reading, mathematics, and writing. Additional teaching responsibilities could include courses in trauma-based pedagogy and autism, as well as other content that fit within the needs of the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program. The position requires teaching four courses per semester.
Other Responsibilities In addition to teaching, the position requires advising, engaging in scholarship and professional growth, and providing service to the College, community, and the profession. Assistance with the ongoing growth and development of the program and participation in student recruitment/retention activities and program assessment is also expected.
Applicants should upload a letter of application establishing their specific qualifications; a current vita; a description of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness; transcripts and the names and contact information of three professional references. Please combine materials into one electronic document and a pply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to Kristen Pearson, EECE Program Coordinator, at kae116@psu.edu. For additional information about Penn State Altoona, please visit our web page at http://www.altoona.psu.edu/
Campus information: Penn State Altoona (www.altoona.psu.edu) is a two-campus, four-year baccalaureate institution. Situated in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania, Penn State Altoona offers 22 baccalaureate degrees, five associate degrees, and the first two years of more than 160 Penn State baccalaureate majors. Located only 40 miles from the University Park campus, Penn State Altoona offers the advantages of a small college teaching environment with the readily available resources of a major research university. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. For additional information about the Elementary and Early Childhood Education program at Penn State Altoona is available at https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/elementary-early-childhood-education
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.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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.
