Why Join Portland State University’s College of Education?
Portland State University (PSU) is a vibrant, public research university in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The College of Education (COE) – Oregon’s largest and most comprehensive college of education – is celebrated for its commitment to equity‑driven research, innovative teaching, and community‑centered practice. Our vision for the next five years is to become a nationally recognized hub for collaborative, culturally responsive education that partners with local communities, Tribal Nations, and our diverse student body. We prepare future educators, counselors, and leaders who can thrive in a wide array of settings—from K‑12 schools and post‑secondary institutions to community agencies and health organizations. At PSU, you will be part of a forward‑thinking, supportive team that values lifelong learning, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
Position Summary: Adjunct Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction (Remote)
We are seeking dynamic, experienced educators to join our Curriculum & Instruction Adjunct Supervisor Pool for the 2023 Academic Year. This part‑time, remote role offers the flexibility to work from home while supervising teacher candidates during their critical field experiences. As an Adjunct Supervisor, you will be a mentor, coach, and evaluator, guiding aspiring teachers as they translate theory into practice in real classrooms.
Core Purpose
In partnership with cooperating teachers, school administrators, and university faculty, you will ensure that teacher candidates develop robust instructional strategies that are research‑informed, culturally responsive, and equitable. Your leadership will directly influence the quality of future educators and, ultimately, the learning outcomes of countless students across Oregon and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Mentor & Support Teacher Candidates: Provide ongoing, constructive feedback on lesson planning, instructional delivery, and classroom management. Facilitate reflective practice by asking probing questions that help candidates assess their own teaching.
- Conduct Observations & Conferences: Perform “drop‑in” observations regularly; schedule a minimum of three formal observations per term, each followed by a three‑way conference with the candidate and cooperating teacher.
- Document Progress: Maintain detailed records of candidate performance, including action plans, interventions, and evaluation scores, using PSU’s TK20 system.
- Collaborate with Cooperating Professionals: Strengthen the partnership between university and school by fostering co‑teaching opportunities, sharing best practices, and promoting collaborative problem‑solving.
- Communicate Effectively: Respond promptly to emails, phone calls, and other inquiries from candidates, faculty, and school staff. Provide bi‑monthly updates to the cohort leader on candidate progress and any emerging concerns.
- Build and Maintain Site Relationships: Establish strong working relationships with building administrators, ensuring clear lines of communication between the school and the university. Identify prospective new sites for future field placements.
- Engage in Professional Learning: Participate in PSU‑COE supervisor training sessions, stay current with equity‑focused instructional research, and contribute to the field‑based professional learning community.
- Uphold Institutional Standards: Model and reinforce PSU’s policies on prohibited discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct; act as a steward of environmental sustainability within your supervisory practice.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Education or a closely related field.
- Licensure: Current Oregon license appropriate to the level of supervision (PK‑12 General, Special Education, or Administrator license). Candidates must be eligible to hold the license at the time of appointment.
- Teaching Experience: Minimum of three years of full‑time teaching experience in early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school settings.
- Background Clearance: Ability to submit fingerprints and pass a background check through the PSU Field Placement Office.
- Technological Proficiency: Competence with email, internet research, iPad or tablet devices, and Google Workspace (Docs, Sites, Calendar).
Preferred Qualifications & Cultural Competencies
- Equity‑Focused Pedagogy: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing instructional practices that serve culturally and linguistically diverse learners, including students with disabilities.
- Collaborative Experience: History of working in multicultural, inclusive teams and a willingness to engage in continuous improvement.
- Environmental Stewardship: Commitment to sustainable practices and resource conservation in both classroom and supervisory contexts.
- Professional Standards: Familiarity with PSU’s Professional Standards of Conduct and a track record of upholding ethical, respectful, and safe work environments.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Instructional Knowledge: Deep understanding of current research‑informed pedagogies, content‑specific strategies, and assessment practices.
- Reflective Coaching: Ability to ask insightful, open‑ended questions that prompt candidates to examine their instructional decisions and growth areas.
- Communication: Clear, concise, and timely written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
- Problem‑Solving: Flexibility to adapt supervision plans, address unexpected challenges, and cultivate solutions that respect cultural contexts.
- Relationship Building: Skill in establishing trustful, collaborative relationships with school administrators, teachers, and university faculty.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in documenting observations, interpreting evaluation data, and using findings to inform candidate development plans.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
PSU is dedicated to the professional advancement of its adjunct faculty. As an Adjunct Supervisor, you will have access to:
- Professional Development Workshops: Regularly scheduled sessions on equity‑centered instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and emerging educational technologies.
- Mentorship Networks: Connection to a community of seasoned supervisors and senior faculty who can provide guidance, feedback, and collaborative research opportunities.
- Research Collaboration: Opportunities to contribute to COE’s equity‑driven research initiatives, co‑author articles, or present findings at regional and national conferences.
- Pathways to Full‑Time Faculty: Exemplary performance may be considered for additional teaching assignments, curriculum development roles, or tenure‑track positions within the College of Education.
Work Environment & Culture
Although this position is remote, you will remain an integral part of PSU’s inclusive, community‑focused culture. Our values include:
- Equity & Inclusion: We celebrate differences and commit to fostering environments where all voices are heard and respected.
- Collaboration: Cross‑disciplinary teamwork is encouraged; you will regularly interact with faculty, administrators, and community partners.
- Innovation: We invest in cutting‑edge instructional technologies and pedagogical research to keep our programs at the forefront of education.
- Sustainability: PSU’s campus initiatives and personal supervisory practices align with long‑term environmental stewardship goals.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, remote work, and a supportive administrative team help you meet both professional and personal responsibilities.
Compensation, Perks, & Benefits
The adjunct supervisor role is compensated at the current PSUFA contract rate per credit, typically $212 per teacher candidate per quarter. In addition to the per‑candidate stipend, you will receive:
- Reimbursement for approved travel related to face‑to‑face professional learning.
- Access to PSU’s health, dental, and vision insurance plans (for eligible adjuncts).
- Retirement savings options through the PSU retirement system.
- Unlimited access to PSU’s extensive library system, online journals, and research databases.
- Opportunities to attend campus events, faculty seminars, and community outreach programs at no additional cost.
- A vibrant, supportive network of colleagues dedicated to mentorship and continuous learning.
Application Process & Required Materials
Ready to shape the next generation of educators? Please submit the following documents through our online portal:
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter addressing each of the prompts below:
- Explain how your professional background prepares you for supervising teacher candidates.
- Describe specific actions you have taken to foster multicultural understanding and cultural competence.
- Share your philosophical approach to classroom instruction and how it translates into practice.
- Three Professional References (names, telephone numbers, and email addresses).
All applicants will undergo a fingerprint background check and must meet PSU’s professional standards of conduct. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until each supervisory pool is fully staffed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a vehicle required? Yes – you may need to travel to schools for on‑site observations or professional learning events.
- Do I need to be a resident of Oregon? While Oregon licensure is required, candidates from other states may apply if they are eligible to obtain the appropriate Oregon license.
- What technology is required? A reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, and access to an iPad or tablet for classroom observations is recommended.
Take the Next Step – Join Our Mission‑Driven Community
If you are passionate about equity, instructional excellence, and nurturing the professional growth of future educators, we invite you to apply today. By becoming a Curriculum & Instruction Adjunct Supervisor at Portland State University, you will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive, high‑quality education for generations to come.
Click the link below to submit your application and begin a rewarding journey with PSU’s College of Education.
Apply Now