Teaching Assistant - Program on the Environment

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Launched in 1997, the Program on the Environment (PoE) is one of the University of Washington’s largest interdisciplinary academic programs and its only intercollege degree program.

PoE offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies, a Minor in Environmental Studies, and a graduate certificate program. PoE also coordinates the undergraduate certificate in Restoration Ecology, in cooperation with the Restoration Ecology Network. In addition, PoE serves as a focal point for information on environmental education opportunities at the UW and brings campus and community together by sponsoring seminars and public lectures featuring internationally acclaimed guest speakers.

PoE’s approach to environmental education and issues is interdisciplinary, collaborative, innovative and responsive.

Program on the Environment has an outstanding opportunity for Teaching Assistant (TA), Winter Quarter.

ENVIR 250: Data Types & Collection Methods
Winter Quarter 2010, 1/04/2010 to 3/19/2010

The Program on the Environment (PoE) is an interdisciplinary program emphasizing undergraduate education in environmental studies. ENVIR 250 is a new core course required for Environmental Studies majors and optional for Environmental Studies minors.

Course Information:
Instructors: Eric Salathé, Department of Atmospheric Sciences and JISAO Climate Impacts Group; and Eunice Blavascunas, Program on the Environment

Course Schedule: MTWTh 2:30-3:20 PM

Course Description:
This course focuses on how we measure the physical and social environment. The course introduces diverse methods for collecting and analyzing data used to understand environmental problems. Students will be taught: 1) How various data techniques and methods are used to address environmental questions. 1) How data from multiple disciplines may be integrated to study environmental systems. 2) How existing data can be used for monitoring environmental systems and for data mining. 3) The importance of bias and uncertainty in using and interpreting data. 4) How hypotheses are generated and tested using data and observations.

Qualitative and quantitative data are explored side by side with the guidance of a natural and social scientist to develop an awareness of the differences and similarities between these two areas of study. Students learn the practical considerations of multiple techniques of collection and put each method to use. The course addresses the collection and use of data from: interviews, surveys, participant observation, land and sea-based instruments, satellite remote sensing, ecological field studies, and paleological records.

TA Responsibilities:
The TA will have primary responsibility for tutoring students outside of lectures, grading exams and homework, and maintaining grade records.

2 hours per week of office hours
4 hours per week of lecture
4 hours per week for readings
4 hours per week for grading
1 hour per week for teaching meeting

Lectures
- Attend all lectures (4 hours per week)
- Read all assigned course materials
- Hold regular office hours (2 hours per week)
- Assist instructors with extra review sessions for exams

Exams and Grading
- Proctor exams
- Assist instructors in scoring exams
- Assist instructors in scoring homework
- Maintain grading records
- Maintain records on assignment completion by individual students
- Calculate quarter grades as instructed

Other
- Act as liaison/mediator between student and professor
- Refer students needing help to appropriate offices
- Manage course-related e-mail
- Additional course-specific duties as required by the instructors
Requirements:
# Currently registered UW Graduate Student in good standing and eligibility to hold a Graduate Student Assistantship
# Availability for full appointment timeframe (1/04/2010 to 3/19/2010)
# Previous college teaching experience
# Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative methods for environmental studies
# Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Candidates from all disciplines are welcome, but those with experience in the following disciplines are especially desired to complement the knowledge and skills of the instructors: Economics, Ecosystem Biology, or Public Health.
Condition of Employment:
# Currently registered UW graduate student
A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification may be required prior to hire.

Terms:
Salary information:
http://www.grad.washington.edu/students/fa/salary-schedules.shtml

This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit: UW/UAW Contract Preamble.

Application Process:
Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessments will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.

In the cover letter assessment, please submit:
(1) Current CV/resume, no more than 2 pages worth of text;
(2) Two references (name, title, phone, email) familiar with your teaching abilities;
(3) Cover Letter Assessment, no more than 2 pages worth of text, stating what strengths you would bring to serving as a teaching assistant in an interdisciplinary environmental studies course, as well as your strengths and background relevant to the specific activities outlined in the position and course description.

Application Timeline:
Application review begins immediately. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

For priority consideration, apply by: November 12, 2009
Notification: November 23, 2009
Acceptance: November 25, 2009