Subject Matter Expert; SME : Online Course Development EDU-Literacy Pedagogy

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Opportunity:
Online Course Development EDU-3265:
Literacy Pedagogy with Practicum

Vermont State University

We are seeking immediately available and qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop high‑quality academic content for our online B.A. in Elementary Education with Special Education program.

Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Special Education program prepares students to become teachers licensed in both Elementary Education (K‑6) and Special Education (K‑8). With careful planning, a full‑time student can complete the degree in four years, earning a Level I Professional Educator’s License issued by the Vermont Agency of Education. This license is required to work as a public‑school teacher in Vermont and is recognized by all states that have signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

Through courses and practicum experiences, students learn the theories, research, standards and practices that provide a solid foundation for educators passionate about teaching and committed to creating welcoming learning environments that are inclusive of all learners. The program focuses on action research, collaboration, social justice, inclusivity, diversity, equity, inclusion, democracy, critical perspectives, inquiry, creativity, advocacy, theory into practice, and education as a public good.

SMEs will collaborate with instructional designers to build engaging, standards‑aligned online courses that emphasize social justice, action research, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, inquiry, and advocacy. As an SME you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online’s established development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $4,100.

This course focuses on language and literacy development at the K‑2 level. Students will develop, teach, and assess lesson plans for equitable, inclusive classrooms. Topics addressed include critical literacy and language development as it relates to reading, writing, and speaking. Students will be placed with a licensed teacher for a 60‑hr practicum at the Grade K‑2 level.

• Terminal degree (earned doctorate or other terminal degree) in Education, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field aligned with elementary and/or special education.
• Current, valid Vermont Level I or higher Professional Educator’s License with endorsement in Elementary Education (K–6) and/or Special Education, or a current principal’s license with demonstrated background in these areas.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Vermont educator licensure requirements.
• Minimum of three years of successful, documented full‑time teaching experience in PK–8 settings, including substantial experience in public school classrooms, preferably Vermont.
• Direct experience teaching and supporting students with disabilities in inclusive settings (e.g., co‑teaching, IEP development and implementation, differentiated instruction, use of evidence‑based interventions) and familiarity with IDEA and Section 504 requirements.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and any other checks required by Vermont law and partner school districts prior to practicum‑ or PK–8 classroom‑related work.
• Evidence of strong collaboration skills and professional communication with school partners, colleagues, and university personnel, including willingness to work within VTSU Online’s established course development process and standards.
• Candidates with demonstrated knowledge of online learning environments, curriculum development, and adult learning theory are especially encouraged. Experience designing or teaching in an online or hybrid context, familiarity with standards for online pedagogy, and an understanding of effective practices in adult education will be considered strong assets.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to work within VTSU Online’s established course development structure and process—including templates, milestones, and collaborative reviews—to consistently meet established timelines, quality standards, and deadlines.
• The SME must be able to work effectively with an instructional designer at a distance by articulating ideas clearly, asking clarifying questions, documenting decisions, and adapting to feedback, ensuring that course development stays on track, aligned with VTSU Online standards, and completed within established timelines.
• The SME must be able to complete the contemplated work within the time frames associated with the program’s implementation.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Other
• Higher Education

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