Prison Teaching Initiative Assessment Specialist

Reporting to the Prison Teaching Initiative (PTI) Associate Director in the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, the PTI Assessment Specialist will conduct program evaluation of PTI's term-time and summer programming. A scholar of educational equity, trained in the historical, social, and ethical dimensions of the school-to-prison pipeline and in theories and methods of educational evaluation, the PTI Assessment Specialist will focus on equity in education practice by studying and evaluating PTI programs. The Assessment Specialist will regularly report findings to PTI's staff and other stakeholders. Once per academic year, the Assessment Specialist may lead a course for incarcerated undergraduates at one or more of the facilities PTI serves.

In order to be eligible for this position, candidates must hold a PhD or have successfully defended their PhD by July 1, 2025.

Academic year program evaluation
Conduct program evaluation for term-time programming at one or more correctional facilities PTI serves, including assessment of course instruction, tutoring, co-curricular activities, student services, etc. Employ collaborative evaluation models that are inclusive of student and teacher perspectives. Where applicable, submit requisite paperwork for human subjects research approval.

Summer program evaluation
Conduct program evaluation for PTI summer programming, including a novel data science research internship program for justice-impacted undergraduates; social and community support activities for formerly incarcerated students participating in partnering STEM and humanities internships; and technology orientation and ongoing support for all PTI-supported summer students. Where applicable, submit requisite paperwork for human subjects research approval.

Collaboration with PTI staff
Regularly report key findings to PTI stakeholders and collaborate with PTI staff to interpret and act on findings to continuously improve PTI programming. Occasionally contribute to instructional workshops or other professional development opportunities for program staff and volunteers.

Course instruction
Lead up to one course per academic year, delivered to students at one or more correctional facilities PTI serves. Supervise and coordinate teaching assistants as needed.

Essential

• PhD in education, psychology, and/or sociology with core research interests focused on equity in education practice. Candidates pursuing a PhD must successfully complete the defense of their dissertation by July 1st 2025.
• Previous teaching experience, especially at the college level, and a demonstrated interest in inclusive pedagogy
• Excellent oral, written, and listening skills
• Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills for navigating large bureaucracies
• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies with diverse backgrounds
• Proactive and creative problem-solving skills
• High degree of professionalism, flexibility, and patience
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Preferred

• Experience in prison education, criminal justice, or volunteer activities/interest in relevant areas, including individuals who were previously incarcerated.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters
• Must be able to successfully complete an annual NJ Department of Corrections and/or Bureau of Prison background check
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to and from correctional facilities

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS