ModPo TA 2025-2026

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

ModPo TA 2025-2026

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Associate Faculty Director of the Kelly Writers House, the ModPo Teaching Assistant will support and assist in content preparation and instruction with the Faculty Director for ModPo, the massive online open course taught through Coursera. The ModPo Teaching Assistant will also work and assist students registered for the course, as assigned.

Assist in ModPo. Hold office hours - 1.5 hours/week.
Manage discussion forums - 1 hour/week.
Attend weekly webcast - 1.5 hours/week.

Job Description

Kelly Writers House - Job Description

ModPo Special Teaching Assistant (Temporary Position) 2026-2027

Job Duties

Reporting to the Faculty Director of the Kelly Writers House, the ModPo Teaching Assistant will support and assist in content preparation and instruction with the Faculty Director for ModPo, the massive online open course taught through Coursera. The ModPo Teaching Assistant will also work and assist students registered for the course, as assigned, during the ModPo Live session, 9/2/26 through 11/19/26. ModPo TAs will perform additional work, as assigned, throughout 2026-2027.

Approximate hours:

• Assist in ModPo. Hold office hours - 1.5 hours/week. 
• Manage discussion forums - .5 hour/week. 
• Attend weekly webcast - 1.5 hours/week.
• Course TA – 4.5 hours/week

Job Location

This position will be assigned to work remotely.

Pay and Hours

The hourly rate is $18.00. Workers in temporary positions are not eligible for Penn benefits, except to the extent required by applicable law. The employee is not under any employment contract and the temporary status can be terminated at any time without notice.

This position is expected to average 8 hours per week, 9/2/26 through 11/19/2 . This position is non-exempt, meaning that the position is eligible for overtime pay for any week in which the work hours for the week exceeds scheduled weekly hours. Overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a work week is paid at one and one-half times regular rate of pay. The scheduled weekly hours for this position will be arranged with the supervisor. Non-exempt employees are paid weekly on Fridays for hours worked during the previous Monday through Sunday pay period.

Qualifications    

A bachelors in the humanities or equivalent combination of education and experience, are preferred. 1-2 years of experience strongly preferred. Experience with teaching at the university level, academic research, knowledge of poetry and American history strongly preferred. Ideal candidate will have demonstrated attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work self-directed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Provost Interdisciplinary Programs

Pay Range

$7.25 - $18.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.