Job Description: Teaching Assistant for Field Studies

Employment…

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 Teaching Assistant Position

The Teaching Assistant should aid the Instructor in all areas of instruction and classroom management, assisting in classroom discussions, group activities, and individual questions. To a large extent, the duties of the Teaching Assistant are determined by the Instructor. In addition to instructional duties, Teaching Assistants are responsible for the residential supervision of students. Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, items listed under Specific Duties.

Qualifications

A minimum of three years of college coursework, including some concentrated study in subject areas relevant to the specific field study, is required; candidates nearing completion of undergraduate coursework or currently pursuing graduate-level studies are preferred. Teaching or tutoring experience is helpful, as is staff or participant experience with programs for the academically gifted. 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 Teaching Assistants must exhibit a positive attitude and serve as a role model for students and other staff members. In addition, TAs must be respectful of authority and willing to follow and enforce rules and to support the efforts of the Instructors. 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

Instructional

Before the start of the program, review the medical forms of every student in your course. Note all academic and medical modifications that students might require. Serve as a positive role model for students.
Assist Instructor with management and discipline in the classrooms and on field trips.
Provide individualized instruction.
At Instructor’s discretion, make instructional presentations.
Supervise students during excursions, activities, meals, and breaks.
Assist the Instructor with research, class presentations, grading papers, and preparing student evaluations as requested.
Perform other duties assigned by the Instructor.

Residential

With the Instructor, establish and enforce rules for the hotel, residence hall, or residence in which students will stay.
Assist with student arrival and departure, including meeting students at the airport as needed.
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 a visible and accessible presence at the program, and get to know all students at the field study. Be aware of student concerns and problems, and immediately report critical information to your supervisor.
As the Field Study schedule allows, organize and lead daily programs and activities for students, including evening programs and weekend events.
Work with other TAs and Instructor(s) to establish and implement appropriate methods of articulating program and academic expectations and enforcing program rules.
Enforce Duke TIP rules consistently and fairly. Follow up immediately on student behavior problems as directed in the Staff Handbook and during training.
Respond to student emergency situations. Utilize emergency protocol outlined in the Staff Handbook and in training.
Provide support and assistance to other Duke TIP staff members.

Administration

Complete room inspections at the beginning and end of each term, if applicable.
Complete written program evaluations at the end of the term.
Perform other duties assigned by the Instructors, Coordinator of Educational Programs, or other Duke TIP administrative staff.

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.