Job Description: Instructor for Field Studies

General Information about Duke TIP Field Studies

Duke TIP Domestic and International Field Studies are open to students in grades 10-12, though some domestic programs are open to 9th graders. These two-or three-week courses meet seven days a week for field work or classroom-style instruction. Class size varies from 18-30 students, supervised by a staff of Instructor and a minimum of two Teaching Assistants (TA). Some Field Studies may also have a Group Leader (see application for a list of programs that offer this position). Due to the intensive nature of the Field Studies, the Instructor/TA teams are also responsible for residential aspects of the programs.

The Instructor Position

Instructors for the Duke TIP Field Studies Programs are responsible for planning and teaching challenging courses, leading activities, supervising the Teaching Assistants, and evaluating each student in the class. 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 Group Leaders (if applicable), Instructors will 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 very helpful, 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. Applicants should be familiar with the site to which they will be traveling. 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 certain positions at Duke TIP. 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 an introductory letter to students
  • Travel to Duke University for the Instructors’ orientation meeting in late April or early May (travel and accommodations are paid).
  • Contact Teaching Assistant(s) and Group Leader (if applicable) to discuss plans for the program.
  • Provide feedback regarding content of Student and Parent Guide for 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.
  • Prepare for student arrival to and departure from the program.
  • Please note: For International Field Studies, staff members are required to meet students in the U.S. departure airport and accompany students to and from the international site.
  • 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 Coordinator of Educational Programs regularly.
  • Maintain good communication and relations with the primary on-site contact (e.g. hotel or site manager).
  • Serve as lead disciplinarian on-site, conferring with Coordinator of Educational Programs as needed.
  • Review completed student evaluations privately with each student on the last full day of the program.
  • Assume responsibility and maintain a detailed log for petty cash and the disbursements of funds for instructional and recreational activities.

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
  • A final letter addressed to all students that summarizes the course and its success
  • Detailed written evaluations of the program, the course you taught, and the performance of each staff member
  • Student evaluation rubrics with written narratives for each student
  • Program 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

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.
  • Field Study staff members are required to live in program-sponsored housing.
  • 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 in the presence of students or at any time at the program site (including, but not limited to, housing facilities, classrooms, parking lots, athletic fields, etc.) regardless of the distance from Duke TIP's designated area.
    • Returning to campus in an inebriated condition.
    • 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.
  • This position requires a full time commitment. Holding other jobs or taking classes during the contracted time period is prohibited