Thomas Edison State University (TESU), located in Trenton, New Jersey, is a leader in adult higher education. Established in 1972 by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education, TESU was created to serve working adults who need flexible learning options to complete their degrees. Unlike traditional universities, TESU does not require classroom attendance; instead, it emphasizes competency-based education, prior learning assessment (PLA), and credit for prior learning through exams like CLEP or portfolio reviews. This approach allows students to earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as business administration, nursing, liberal studies, and cybersecurity.
The university serves over 18,000 students annually, primarily adults aged 25 and older, many of whom are military personnel, first responders, and professionals seeking career advancement. Its commitment to accessible education makes it a unique employer in the higher education landscape, particularly in the United States where online and distance learning demand is growing. For job seekers interested in higher ed jobs, TESU offers opportunities that align with innovative teaching and student support models.
Jobs at Thomas Edison State University revolve around supporting its mission of flexible, adult-focused education. Common positions include online adjunct faculty, academic mentors, enrollment counselors, instructional designers, and IT specialists for learning management systems. Faculty roles often involve developing and teaching asynchronous online courses, assessing student competencies, and mentoring through virtual platforms. Administrative jobs focus on student success, such as advising on degree completion paths or managing PLA processes.
📊 TESU's employment needs reflect its online-centric model, with a high demand for tech-savvy educators. For instance, nursing faculty positions require RN licensure and experience in adult learner instruction, while business adjuncts need industry expertise. Explore university job types to understand variations like full-time professors or executive roles. The university posts openings on its careers site and platforms like AcademicJobs.com, emphasizing roles that contribute to student retention rates, which exceed 70% for degree completers.
These roles support TESU's growth, as enrollment has increased by 20% in recent years due to expanded online programs.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): A process where students receive college credit for knowledge gained outside formal classrooms, such as work experience or military training, evaluated through portfolios or exams.
Competency-Based Education (CBE): An educational model where students advance by demonstrating mastery of skills rather than seat time, central to TESU's degree programs.
Asynchronous Learning: Online courses where students access materials and interact at their own pace, without real-time meetings, key to TESU's model.
To secure jobs at Thomas Edison State University, candidates need targeted qualifications. For faculty positions, a minimum of a master's degree is required, with a PhD preferred in fields like education, business, or healthcare. Research focus often centers on adult learning theories, online pedagogy, or assessment methods rather than traditional lab research.
Preferred experience includes publications in journals on distance education, grants for educational innovation, or prior teaching in non-traditional settings. Skills and competencies emphasize:
In Trenton, NJ, roles may involve hybrid support for local initiatives, like partnerships with New Jersey community colleges. Check research assistant tips adaptable to TESU's context, or postdoc advice for advanced roles.
The application process begins on TESU's official careers portal. Submit a cover letter, resume, and transcripts online. Interviews are often virtual, focusing on teaching demos or scenario-based questions about adult learners.
Actionable tips:
Avoid common pitfalls like generic applications; TESU values alignment with its mission. For lecturer roles, review how to become a university lecturer.
TESU prioritizes diversity through its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering scholarships for underrepresented students and employee resource groups. Specific examples include the TESU Pride Network for LGBTQ+ staff, partnerships with Hispanic-serving organizations in New Jersey, and bias training programs. In 2023, 45% of faculty identified as diverse, above national averages. Recruitment targets veterans and first-generation professionals, reflecting Trenton's demographics.
🏛️ TESU's Trenton campus fosters a supportive environment with modern facilities for mentoring sessions, though most work is remote. Employees enjoy flexible hours, unlimited PTO accrual, and tuition discounts for family. Wellness programs include mental health days and fitness reimbursements. Campus life features cultural events, professional development workshops, and proximity to Philadelphia for networking. Reviews highlight work-life balance scores of 4.2/5 on platforms like Glassdoor, thanks to no mandatory office presence.
Remote roles allow balance for New Jersey residents, with hybrid options for local staff. Community involvement includes volunteering in Trenton public schools, enhancing job satisfaction.
TESU stands out for its innovative approach, stable funding as a public institution, and impact on adult learners' lives. Salaries are competitive, with faculty earning $60K-$90K annually based on experience. Growth opportunities abound in expanding online programs. For more, visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile to attract recruiters via recruitment.
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