Pathways Intern: Connections Project Teaching and Administration Assistant

Universities of Wisconsin•Stevens Point, WI

11d•$15

About The Position

Teaching and Administrative Assistant UWSP Connections Project Job Description Scope of Responsibility: In the Connections Project, English 381 students in their first semester of the English Education methods course sequence lead on-line reading and analysis instructional units to high school students from around the state. In collaboration with the UWSP Professor and high school teacher mentors, the Teaching and Administration Assistant for the UWSP Connections Project ensures that the English 381 students prepare quality and timely materials for their high school students and facilitates the project running smoothly. Teaching and Mentoring Duties: Coach and mentor English 381 students through drafting and revising curricular, instructional, and assessment materials; reinforce best practices In English 381 class time 3:30-4:45 Tuesdays and Thursdays from the last Thursday in February through the end of the semester; conference and strategize with Professor Ringelspaugh after class Through written and audio feedback on the English 381 students’ drafts of curricular and instructional materials Advise 381s as they respond to their students; reinforce How to Talk to Students and Pro-Feedback and Questioning guidelines Support individual 381s who have absent co-teachers for whatever reason; step into the co-teacher role for brief or extended periods of time Teach occasional mini-lessons in English 381, to be determined based on skill and interest, both in person and through asynchronous video flipped instruction Model professional teaching demeanor and relationships; help 381s craft communication with high school teachers; lead by example Administrative Duties: Attend the January Connections organization and planning meeting with the High School Teacher Mentors; reflect on Connections from the previous year in order to revise Connections for this year; work collaboratively with Professor Ringelspaugh and the teacher mentors to plan Connections, including reviewing the English 381 syllabus Attend one Connections Leadership Team Zoom meeting per week with Professor Ringelspaugh and the High School Teacher Mentors; reflect on student performance and project implementation, make plans to address issues or complications Organize administrative files and materials: oversee Canvas discussion spaces, support posting over Spring Break, log who has posted by when, motivate late posters, communicate with Professor Ringelspaugh With Professor Ringelspaugh, facilitate the Connections Project Campus Visit: help with advance logistics, and then spend the first Friday in May with the student group, from 8:00 to 4:00 or so, keeping order, supporting the process, and taking photographs Help with correspondence, campus errands, contacting potential visitors, and general administration of the project Conduct media and other publicity projects; Write newspaper articles or professional publication articles alone or in collaboration with Professor Ringelspaugh In collaboration with Professor Ringelspaugh, evaluate the overall Connections Project and suggest changes for next year

Requirements

Knowledge of a wide range of methods of teaching literature and writing
Knowledge of a wide range of diverse literature and the ability to critically analyze literature and make connections between literature and other texts
Strong professionalism, work ethic, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and to take leadership—to notice and resolve problems independently
Ability to work with students, colleagues, administrators, and officials from various school districts
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Skills in UWSP’s various technology systems, including Zoom, Canvas, and Google Docs and Slides
Strong writing and communication skills
Students must have completed their full two-semester Methods course sequence and earned at least a 3.5 average GPA in the fall methods courses.

Responsibilities

Coach and mentor English 381 students through drafting and revising curricular, instructional, and assessment materials
Reinforce best practices In English 381 class time 3:30-4:45 Tuesdays and Thursdays from the last Thursday in February through the end of the semester
Conference and strategize with Professor Ringelspaugh after class
Provide written and audio feedback on the English 381 students’ drafts of curricular and instructional materials
Advise 381s as they respond to their students
Reinforce How to Talk to Students and Pro-Feedback and Questioning guidelines
Support individual 381s who have absent co-teachers for whatever reason
Step into the co-teacher role for brief or extended periods of time
Teach occasional mini-lessons in English 381, to be determined based on skill and interest, both in person and through asynchronous video flipped instruction
Model professional teaching demeanor and relationships
Help 381s craft communication with high school teachers
Attend the January Connections organization and planning meeting with the High School Teacher Mentors
Reflect on Connections from the previous year in order to revise Connections for this year
Work collaboratively with Professor Ringelspaugh and the teacher mentors to plan Connections, including reviewing the English 381 syllabus
Attend one Connections Leadership Team Zoom meeting per week with Professor Ringelspaugh and the High School Teacher Mentors
Reflect on student performance and project implementation, make plans to address issues or complications
Organize administrative files and materials: oversee Canvas discussion spaces, support posting over Spring Break, log who has posted by when, motivate late posters, communicate with Professor Ringelspaugh
Facilitate the Connections Project Campus Visit: help with advance logistics, and then spend the first Friday in May with the student group, from 8:00 to 4:00 or so, keeping order, supporting the process, and taking photographs
Help with correspondence, campus errands, contacting potential visitors, and general administration of the project
Conduct media and other publicity projects
Write newspaper articles or professional publication articles alone or in collaboration with Professor Ringelspaugh
Evaluate the overall Connections Project and suggest changes for next year