Application for
Teaching Assistantships and Associateships in the Writing Program 2008-2009



The UCSB Writing Program anticipates approximately 30 Teaching Assistantships and 3 Associateship positions and invites applications from qualified graduate students for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applications must be submitted on or before Friday, January 11, 2008. Applicants will be notified of results by the end of winter quarter.

Writing Program Teaching Assistantships offer theoretical and practical experience in the teaching of writing, curriculum design and classroom management. Working with an assigned supervisor, Writing Program TAs are given training in and have significant responsibilities for all aspects of instruction, including grading, for 20-25 students (one class) each quarter. TAs usually begin Writing Program assignments in general Writing 2 classes--the General Education freshman composition course required of all UCSB undergraduates. Returning TAs may also seek assignments in Writing 1 classes (Subject A course), Writing 50 (special research topics), or in the ACE Program (Academic Communities for Excellence) for EOP students.

Writing 2 is taught within a writing-across-the-curriculum framework and introduces students to inquiry and discursive practice in the three major divisions of the university: sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Classes meet two days a week for 110 minutes, and instructors hold at least two office hours a week in addition to attending selected faculty meetings. These TAships are 50% appointments; compensation is set by terms of collective bargaining. EE/AO

TAs new to the Writing Program are expected to:
Writing 501A-B: Practicum in Academic Writing Instruction (2-2 units) meets weekly during the spring term prior to the year of service, includes a two-day workshop just before fall quarter instruction begins, and meets 3-4 times during the fall term.

Returning graduate students who have successfully completed an initial year of Writing Program service may be considered for one-, two-, or three-quarter assignments.

For those who wish further involvement in Program development, appointments as Associates are available, providing the student:
  1. possesses a Master's degree or equivalent training
  2. is in good standing with home department
  3. has 3-6 quarters of teaching experience in the Writing Program
  4. has recommendation of Writing Program supervisor(s) based on teaching & service record.

Qualifications

The Writing Program requires the following qualifications in TA applicants:

Please note that due to the interdisciplinary mission of the Writing Program, "relevant" experience need not be limited to teaching assignments in language arts. Furthermore, we very much appreciate TAs and instructors with expertise in other fields who can contribute disciplinary insights to our writing curriculum development.

Applications for Writing Program TAships and Associateships should include the following materials:

  • A cover letter of application addressed to the Writing Program Director.

  • A current curriculum vitae.

  • A one-to-two page writing sample that articulates the relationship of the teaching of writing to your academic research and/or career goals.

  • A teaching portfolio:


    • A one-page statement of teaching philosophy and instructional goals. (For guidance on writing a Teaching Philosopy, go to http://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/philosophy.html)

    • Samples of syllabi, lesson plans, handouts, course readers, and assignments you have designed for courses in or outside of the Writing Program which involve significant writing tasks.


NOTE: Please understand the purpose of the portfolio is to allow you to give the strongest picture possible of your teaching and/or tutoring experience. We do not expect that most TAs will have had the opportunity to design courses of their own; however, those returning to the Writing Program may have designed units or courses within Program guidelines.

If you have questions about assembling a teaching portfolio, you may want to bring your materials to Jeff Hanson (Girvetz 1321, hanson@writing.ucsb.edu) for a consultation.




updated: 3 October 2006
send comments to: Writing Program webmaster