Technical Support Educator

Technical Support Educator (TSE) Adjunct

ID

Job Locations

US-IL-Chicago

Category

Information Systems/IT

Position Type

Adjunct Faculty

Overview

WHO WE ARE -
National Louis University (NLU), established in 1886, is a private, non-profit institution located in Chicago, IL, catering to nearly 10,000 learners across five colleges. In November 2020, the University introduced Accelerate U, a new division dedicated to providing swift pathways to in-demand skills, post-secondary qualifications, and career advancement. The Accelerate U team collaborates with employers and non-profit organizations to create affordable academic and training pathways that 1) lead to industry-recognized credentials/certificates, 2) connect to in-demand, upwardly-mobile careers, 3) include coaching and comprehensive support, and 4) offer participants Pell-eligible college credits that can contribute towards a bachelor's degree.

In the upcoming academic term, Accelerate U will unveil a new certificate pathway - The Technical Support Educator (TSE) Certificate Program. This is a 24-week initiative designed to assist students in obtaining CompTIA A+ certification and transitioning into entry-level IT Helpdesk or Support Specialist roles. The program comprises five courses, spanning two 12-week terms. The Technical Support Educator will instruct the four-course TSE sequence across these two terms:

• Term 1
  • TSE 100: IT Fundamentals: Hardware and Device Management, 5 QH, 6 Weeks
  • TSE 110: IT Fundamentals: Networking, Infrastructure, and Cloud Computing, 5 QH, 6 Weeks
  • CAR 204 Part 1: My Professional Journey, 3 QH, 12 weeks
• Term 2
  • TSE 200: IT Fundamentals: Operating System Support & Cybersecurity, 6 Weeks
  • TSE 210: Technical Support Educator Capstone, 5 QH, 6 Weeks
  • CAR 204 Part 2: My Professional Journey, 2 QH, 12 weeks

Throughout the program, participants collaborate with a career coach to cultivate essential skills required for success in their roles, including effective problem-solving, teamwork, reliability, confidence, and social awareness.

To successfully complete the program, students will be expected to take the CompTIA A+ exam and will earn 25 Quarter Hour credits. Our vision is for all students to complete this program and successfully embark on full-time careers while considering further education at National Louis University.

WHO YOU ARE-

You are: Driven to Succeed.
You are enthusiastic and passionate about a diverse student population that includes many first-generation learners who are new to a college setting. To excel in teaching this program, you must be dedicated to excellence in education and learning in Higher Education. The role requires you to be adaptable, innovative, and engaging while delivering a new curriculum and an exceptional experience to undergraduate students. Candidates who are enthusiastic believe that all students can achieve success. As a collaborative team member, you value a supportive environment and a student-centered culture.

You will: Offer Exceptional Teaching and Learning.
You believe that your work reflects your respect for education and its transformative power. Each term, you will facilitate blended classes that leverage technology and data to enhance instruction. You will collaborate with a dedicated team of Coaches, Instructors, Content Experts, and Data Analysts to personalize the learning experience for your students. In addition to delivering content, you will focus on fostering a growth mindset among your students, enhancing non-cognitive skill development, nurturing academic confidence, and preparing students for their professional journeys.

You are ready to: Make a Difference.
Every day, this program transforms lives. You aspire to be part of that meaningful innovation. You are someone who continuously seeks creative ways for students to achieve success. We understand that this work is challenging, but we are committed to supporting each other.

Candidates should possess experience in teaching IT support courses. This is a part-time adjunct position that necessitates instructors to collaborate regularly with the support team surrounding each student. Typically, course instruction occurs twice weekly, with one session conducted virtually on a weekday evening and the second session held in-person in Chicago on another weekday evening.

About NLU:

National Louis University (NLU) is committed to honoring its history while defining a bold new future as a contemporary, comprehensive university that prepares diverse students for sustained professional success with a strong focus on Access, Excellence, Innovation, and Equity. We are a pioneering community that leverages innovation to enhance outcomes. NLU challenges the status quo and strives to adapt and evolve with the changing needs of its students. We are a community that values each other and our students, working collaboratively, tirelessly, and swiftly to advance change in service of students. We have a rich history, but we are not conventional. We aim to address persistent social issues through education; we believe we have not succeeded until graduates achieve sustainable career-related employment; and we foster a culture that encourages rapid learning from failures to continuously improve our efforts.

Founded in 1886, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution offering over 70 programs from short-term certificates to doctoral degrees across its five colleges. The University serves over 10,000 students annually and has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. While most students are from Illinois, the University also attracts learners from across the U.S. and around the globe who benefit from campus-based, blended, and online programming.

NLU is situated in the heart of Chicago's downtown loop, across from the Art Institute, in an area recognized as America's largest campus, hosting over 25 institutions and 50,000 students enrolled in colleges throughout the city. Additionally, the University has two suburban locations and a regional campus in Florida.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate to create an effective student experience for learners.
• Facilitate assigned courses by delivering in-person instruction, which includes weekly lectures (on Zoom) and weekly lab sessions (in-person).
• Utilize technology-based teaching platforms, including D2L (our LMS) and courseware (i.e., CompTIA, Cengage), to assign and evaluate student work.
• Maintain current and active knowledge of best practices in IT support, including customer service skills.
• Communicate professionally, relate well, and share a passion for academic success for diverse learners.
• Participate in weekly virtual meetings with a Career Coach (who supports learners in the program) and Accelerate U Staff to report on student progress and challenges.
• Empower students to develop competency by sharing a passion for the subject and the necessary skills.

Qualifications

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proficient in technology.
• Excellent facilitation and classroom management skills in both virtual and in-person formats.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective time management abilities.
• Adaptability.
• Ability to engage with a highly diverse faculty and student body.
• Willingness/ability to utilize data to inform instruction.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or higher in information technology or a closely related field, or an Associate's Degree with CompTIA A+ certification.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in IT support services.
• 2+ years of teaching IT support courses to students from diverse backgrounds (strongly preferred).
• 2+ years of hiring and/or coaching new hires in the field of IT support services (preferred).
• CompTIA A+ certified or willingness to obtain CompTIA A+ certification within 3 months of hire.
• Experience with online/digital tools for teaching - preferred.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These principles are more than just words to us; they are a fundamental aspect of life at NLU. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background enrich our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic expressions of self from every member of the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Special Instructions

Please attach scanned or downloaded copies of official transcripts for all graduate and terminal degrees completed and for all relevant graduate coursework. Official documentation from the university(ies) via mail or e-transcript may be required if approved to teach any course(s).

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