Job Description: Teaching Assistant for Institutes

General Information About Duke TIP Institutes

Duke TIP Leadership Institute and Great Debates Institute are open to students in grades 9-12; the Global Dialogues Institute is open to students in grades 10-12. These two-week courses meet seven days a week for instruction, discussion, research, and field work. Class size varies from 28-36 students, supervised by a staff of Instructors and Teaching Assistants. Due to the intensive nature of the Institutes, the Instructor/TA teams are also responsible for some residential aspects of the programs. A staff of Residential Counselors and a Group Leader (Leadership and Debate only) works with the academic staff and supervises the students during non-class activities and in the residence halls.

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 work with Residential Counselors in coordinating the residential supervision and evening/weekend activities for 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 Institute, 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, if requested.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Instructor.

Residential

  • With the Instructor, establish and enforce rules for the residence hall in which the students will stay.
  • Assist with student arrival and departure, including meeting students at the airport as needed.
  • Assist with social and recreational activities during the program.
  • Assist with emergencies that may arise during the program.

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.
  • 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.