Professional Learning Specialist Jobs in Minnesota

POSITION OVERVIEW

Professional Development Facilitators are a critical and important part of supporting the success of the Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education (NLCCE) programs. NLCCE professional development (PD) is offered in varying lengths (usually 4 – 40 hours) during the summer and school year. Professional development may be offered in-person, online, or in hybrid modalities. Facilitators help educators participating in professional development workshops learn computing concepts and practices and how to teach them to students. They also build community among educators and support the unique needs of adult learners.

This position is classified as a temporary position and will be paid hourly. Hourly rates will be based on the facilitator’s background and experience. Total number of hours may be capped based on the length of the professional development and the facilitators specific responsibilities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate PD as determined by modality (online, in-person, hybrid); PD sessions may vary in length (i.e., 90 minutes or several hours across one or multiple days).
• Facilitate any follow-up sessions after the initial PD, such as monthly or quarterly online meetings during the school year.
• Maintain timely and effective communication with PD participants.
• Review existing and/or prepare new materials for the PD workshop.
• Align materials and PD strategies to relevant frameworks (e.g., Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Relevant Sustaining Pedagogy) and standards (e.g., CSTA, MDE).
• Attend PD facilitator meetings and respond to emails from the project team in a timely fashion.
• Assist in monitoring and tracking participant progress in the PD and any follow-up sessions.
• Support efforts to recruit participants for the professional development.
• Encourage and support PLC members to complete research requirements, as applicable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills relevant to the computing professional development workshop(s) being offered
• Taught the relevant CS concepts and practices related to the PD topic at least one year (e.g., taught AP CS Principles to facilitate Mobile CSP)
• Competence with relevant tools and technologies used in computing education
• Commitment to improving the teaching and learning of novice computer science teachers
• Desire to learn how to support adult learners and build professional learning communities
• Demonstrated strong cross-cultural skills, promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with professional learning communities and adult learners
• Experience as an online teacher or facilitator
• Familiarity with teaching K-12 computer science, as either standalone content or integrated with other subjects

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

The Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education develops evidence-based programs and resources in collaboration with educators and partners that support and partners inclusive K-16 computing education.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

LOCATION

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.