Teaching and Instructional Responsibilities for Postdoctoral Trainees

Description

Postdoctoral trainees at Penn are appointed primarily for advanced research and scholarly training. Teaching or instructional activities, including lecturing, leading discussion sections, laboratory instruction, tutoring, or holding undergraduate office hours, are not automatic components of a postdoctoral appointment.

When teaching is permitted, postdocs must receive prior written approval from their faculty mentor and department, and the activity must not interfere with the scope, expectations, or training objectives of the postdoctoral appointment. Additional school- or funding-specific requirements may apply.

Postdocs who engage in undergraduate instruction may be subject to Penn’s evaluation and certification of English fluency in the classroom, as required by Pennsylvania law. This certification is separate from immigration-related English language requirements and is coordinated through the department, school, and the Penn English Language Programs (ELP), when applicable.

Postdocs considering teaching responsibilities should consult with their mentor and departmental administrator early to ensure compliance with University policy, funding terms, and visa regulations.

Related Policies and Resources: Teaching for Postdocs:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): J-1 Visiting Scholars
Central resource for visa requirements, English proficiency standards, and compliance guidance for J-1 Exchange Visitors at Penn.
https://global.upenn.edu/isss/j-1-scholars

Policy for Postdoctoral Trainees at the University of Pennsylvania
Outlines the scope of postdoctoral appointments, expectations for training, mentorship responsibilities, and conditions under which postdocs may engage in teaching or other instructional activities.
https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/postdoctoral-trainees/

Evaluation and Certification of English Fluency for Undergraduate Instructional Personnel
Describes the University’s requirements for assessing and certifying English fluency for individuals engaged in undergraduate teaching, tutoring, or instructional activities, as required by Pennsylvania law.
https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/evaluation-certification-english-fluency-undergraduate-instructional-personnel/

English Language Proficiency Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors
Details English language proficiency requirements for J-1 postdoctoral trainees and visiting scholars, including acceptable forms of documentation and evaluation procedures administered through Penn ISSS.
https://postdocs.upenn.edu/resource/english-language-proficiency-requirements/

Penn English Language Programs (ELP)
Provides information on oral proficiency interviews, English language assessment, and training programs for instructional personnel and international scholars.
https://www.elp.upenn.edu/