M.A in English Composition 2008/2009 Teaching Associateship

The M.A. in English Composition Teaching Associate Program offers graduate students the opportunity to teach English 101 (Freshman Composition) during Fall and Winter Quarters of the 2008/2009 academic year. Students in any of the three concentrations in the program who meet the minimum qualifications below may apply. The number of Teaching Associateships available is limited and they are awarded by competitive application.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be enrolled in good standing as a classified graduate student in the M.A. in English Composition program.

2. Must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better:

Contemporary Discourse and Composition Theory (ENG 612)

Two praxis courses chosen from: ENG 626, 655, 657, 658, 660, or 530

An internship (ENG 662 or 664) in a composition course (ENG 85, 86, 95, 101, or 306)

3. Must maintain academic eligibility throughout employment period (enrolled, with 3.0 GPA or higher).

4. Must be available to teach course at time assigned (MWF mornings) and to attend weekly group meeting, and must attend pre-employment course planning sessions.

5. Must not have previously held a Teaching Associateship in the program.

6. Must accept responsibility, have the ability to relate well to others within the academic environment and the ability to instruct and evaluate students.

To apply for a Teaching Associateship, submit the following materials to the TA Coordinator by the Application Deadline:

1. Letter of Application : A letter (1-2 typed pages) in which you state:

• your reasons for applying;

• your strengths as a potential teacher of composition;

• your teaching experience, if any;

• your areas of interest in the field of rhetoric and composition, literary studies, or TESL/linguistics.

• Please include your e-mail address, phone number, and student identification number.

2. Course proposal : An essay (3-5 typed pages) presenting your current thinking about how you would teach ENG 101 (Freshman Composition). In the course proposal, you should:

Explain your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

Include a draft syllabus, assignments, and the titles of the textbooks you would assign. Be sure to explain the reasons for each of your choices in your essay. For example, if you plan to assign one or more textbooks, explain why you have chosen those particular books. For your sequence of writing assignments, explain what you hope to accomplish with this particular sequence.

Departmental guidelines for English 101 are available from the English Department office. You are encouraged to review these materials before preparing your course proposal. Guidelines can also be found at the TA website, "Dr B.'s Discount House of Lore and More" located at http://www.geocities.com/ta_mb2003 , along with a variety of other materials that may be useful as you prepare your application.

3. Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation commenting on your academic strengths and potential as a teacher are required. If you have completed or are currently completing your internship, one letter should be from your supervising faculty mentor. Recommenders can send letters directly to Prof. Boland, via e-mail if they prefer.

Application Deadline:

Completed applications are due in Prof. Boland's mailbox in the English Department office (UH 334) by 4 p.m. May 12, 2008. Partial applications will not be considered. The TA Selection Committee will review applications, may interview finalists, and will announce decisions . Applicants awarded a position will be notified by telephone or e-mail.

If you have questions about the TA program and/or the application process, please consult Prof. Boland, the Teaching Associate Coordinator (mboland@csusb.edu).