Homeoffice TECH-Prep Program Instructor na Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

TECH-Prep Program Instructor

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) is currently accepting applications for a part-time, hourly instructor for an online course for the Technology Early Career Preparation Intervention (TECH-Prep) program. The TECH-Prep program was evaluated by University of Wisconsin-Madison through a collaborative program with Chicago Public Schools in 2019-2024, and yielded increases in the career readiness, career direction, career engagement and subsequent entry into either post-secondary education or competitive integrated employment in technology-related fields for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are replicating this program in Virginia via an online program.

The goal of TECH-Prep is to inspire and prepare urban youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue career interests in science and technology fields, obtain technical training certificates (e.g., Microsoft offers certifications for AI engineers, data engineers, developers, etc.) and ultimately fill in-demand technology positions. TECH-Prep begins with a 12-week online course, and continues into a 4-week paid internship.

The instructor is responsible for delivering academic instruction to project participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Courses will be held three times per week online, with both instruction and group participation activities all delivered via Zoom. In addition to the course, instructors will help facilitate participant internships.

Note to applicants: This is a part-time, grant-funded position that is limited to 24 weeks.

Position responsibilities include:
Teach students workplace interpersonal communication and soft skills 
Prepare participants to pursue career interests in science and technology fields
Review curriculum content 
Meet all designated course instruction guidelines 
Review student submissions in a timely manner
Respond to student inquiries
Submit final course completion to the research team
Work with researchers to maintain the replicability of course content from previous iterations of the TECH-Prep program 
Partner with local businesses to bring in guest speakers
Facilitate virtual field trips 
Work with researchers to identify local businesses and organizations
Engage in community outreach and have meetings with various stakeholders 
Visit locations/businesses to facilitate internships for study participants 
Provide general support for participants and business partners during the internship

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in education, business or a related field with experience and specialized expertise directly related to the position, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience;
Demonstrated experience supporting students with disabilities in education and/or employment;
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Degree in Special Education;
10+ years experience teaching in public schools;
Previous experience teaching online courses to students with disabilities;
Background in business or technology. 

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Physical Demands
Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Marginal
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Marginal
Pushing/Pulling: Marginal
Standing: Marginal
Sitting: Marginal
Repetitive Motion: Marginal
Walking: Marginal
Reaching: Marginal
Bending: Marginal
Kneeling and Stooping: Marginal
Manual Dexterity: Essential
 
Emotional Demands
Fast Pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Essential
Frequent Change: Essential

Cognitive/Sensory Demands
Close Vision: Essential
Distance Vision: Marginal
Memory: Essential
Reasoning: Essential
Hearing: Essential
Reading: Essential
Analyzing: Essential
Logic: Essential
Verbal Communication: Essential
Written Communication: Essential

Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00

Position Details:

Department: SOE Spec Ed & DP - RRTC
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 0.20
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Peter Temple
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: 804-827-4855