"Adjunct Faculty-STEM Education Center"

Job Description Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Teacher Preparation Program is seeking an adjunct faculty member to teach a course entitled "Supporting Diverse Learners in STEM Education". The successful candidate will teach a 7-week term course scheduled for C-term (Jan-March) each year, whose scope has been predetermined in accordance with the state of Massachusetts licensure requirements for teacher educator licensure programs.

This adjunct faculty position was created to provide an available applicant pool for the program, and applicants may be considered for other teaching roles as the need arises within the program, given appropriate qualifications and experience.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the program. Finalists for the position will be asked to teach a demonstration lesson. Your application will remain in the pool until the posting closes. If you wish to be considered for positions beyond that date, then you must reapply.

Job Description

Supporting Diverse Learners in STEM Education is an interdisciplinary course that integrates educational psychology and cognitive science to equip pre-service STEM educators with strategies that support diverse learners in K-12 settings that are aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) for pre-service teachers. Students will explore cognitive load theory, differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), applying these concepts to enhance student engagement and outcomes for students with disabilities.

The course emphasizes the role of social learning theory and cognitive developmental theory in shaping student behavior and motivation. Culturally responsive teaching practices, trauma-informed approaches and collaboration with families and communities are also key components that will be explored through case studies, classroom observations, and scenario-based role plays. Students will develop practical skills in instructional lesson design and implementation and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of course learning objectives through a final project that aligns coursework to real-world teaching scenarios.

The ideal applicant will hold an advanced degree in a related discipline with relevant practical experience, in addition to experience in K-12 education. Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate students is desirable, as is a background and experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs. A stipend of $6,500 has been allocated for this position. Application review will begin August 14th and continue until a suitable candidate is secured for the position.

Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Teaching Philosophy statement

FLSA STATUS: United States of America (Exempt)