Job Description: Instructor for Field Studies

Employment

General Information about Duke TIP Field Studies

Duke TIP Domestic Field Studies are open to students in grades 9-12 and International Field Studies are open to students in grades 10-12. These two-week courses meet seven days a week for field work or classroom-style instruction. Class size varies from 18-32 students, supervised by a staff of Instructor and a minimum of two Teaching Assistants (TA)/Residential Counselors (RC). Some Field Studies may also have a Group Leader. Due to the intensive nature of the Field Studies, the Instructor/TA teams are also responsible for residential aspects of the programs and Residential Counselors participate in class room activities.

The Instructor Position

Instructors for the Duke TIP Field Studies are responsible for planning and teaching challenging courses, leading activities, supervising the Teaching Assistants, and evaluating each student in the class. Along with the GL, Instructors are the lead coordinators of the Field Studies. They should be willing and able to plan activities and excursions that supplement the educational material covered during class times. With the aid of Teaching Assistants and Residential Counselors, Instructors may be responsible for supervising recreational and residential activities of the students. Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, items listed under Specific Duties.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Significant graduate coursework and/or teaching experience are also required. Experience with middle school and/or high school students is highly preferred, as is experience with programs and/or curricula for academically gifted students. Applicants must be able to demonstrate depth of knowledge in course-specific subject matter and a level of preparedness sufficient to create syllabi and teach challenging material. Additionally, applicants must possess a genuine interest in the academic, social, and emotional growth of adolescents and a willingness to work cooperatively with others. Duke TIP Instructors must exhibit a positive attitude and serve as a role model for students and other staff members. There is a driving requirement for all positions at Duke TIP Field Studies. Eligible drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years old, have an approved driving record on file, and be willing to drive Duke TIP vehicles.

Specific Duties

Before the Program

Prepare the following items and return them to the Duke TIP office within the time frame indicated in your contract and hiring materials:
Book and equipment orders
A detailed one-page course description, a day-by-day syllabus, and a student welcome letter to students (due in January)
Travel to Duke University for the Instructors’ orientation meeting in April (travel and accommodations are paid).
Contact Teaching Assistants, Residential Counselors, and GL to discuss plans for the program.
Provide feedback regarding content of Parent and Student Guide for your program.
Collect and follow up forms for students if no GL is assigned to your program.

During the Program

Perform all duties necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the course and the program.
Provide training for all staff members at beginning of program.
Supervise and evaluate the Teaching Assistants and Residential Counselors.
Prepare for student arrival to and departure from the program.
Be present and engage students in instruction during all scheduled class times, activities, and excursions.
Communicate with each student about his/her performance and progress at least once a week.
Keep all necessary staff informed of potential academic problems. Confer with the Assistant Director of Field Studies regularly.
Maintain good communication and relations with the primary on-site contact.
Serve as lead disciplinarian on-site, conferring with Assistant Director of Field Studies regularly.
Review completed student evaluations privately with each student on the last full day of class.
Some Instructors may be asked to assume responsibility and maintain a detailed log for petty cash and the disbursements of funds for instructional and recreational activities.
Assume responsibilities of GL if no GL is assigned to your program..

After Students Depart

The following materials must be returned to the Coordinator of Educational Programs within two weeks of your return from the site:
A revised syllabus (if necessary) and relevant instructional materials for Duke TIP permanent files
Detailed written evaluations of the program, the course you taught, and the performance of each individual staff member.
Student evaluation rubrics with written narratives for each student
The evaluations that students completed before leaving the program
Extra textbooks and Duke TIP-purchased course supplies
Student files, including all forms and waivers
Petty cash materials, including: the ledger, receipts, and a check for the balance amount
Miscellaneous items such as program cell phones, first aid kits, etc.

General Expectations

Arrive on your contracted start date at the specified time and location.
Perform all contractual duties at the assigned times.
Support the Duke TIP Mission and all administrative decisions.
Abide by all Duke TIP policies and procedures.
Attend all designated orientation sessions and all scheduled meetings during the term.
Maintain constant communication with the Assistant Director of Field Studies.
Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and seatbelt regulations, when transporting students or driving Duke TIP vehicles for other business purposes. Duke TIP vehicles may not be used for personal errands.
Refrain from the following strictly prohibited activities:

Consuming alcoholic beverages at any time during the program
Possessing, selling, distributing, or using illegal drugs.
Inviting guests to visit the residence halls or to stay overnight in residence hall rooms.
Using tobacco products in the residence hall or in the presence of students.
Using inappropriate language, including profanity, discriminatory statements, and sexual innuendoes.

Maintain professional relationships with all staff members. Relationships and/or conflicts among staff members should never interfere with the proper performance of duties.
Maintain professional relationships with students at all times.
Enforce all student rules fairly and consistently according to the policies outlined in training.
Abide by all policies set forth by the host institution/country.
This position requires a full time commitment. Holding other jobs or taking classes during the contracted time period is prohibited.