TA PROGRAM FAQS

 What is the TA program?

The TA program offers qualified graduate students the opportunity to gain teaching experience by teaching their own sections of first year writing (ENG 101) here at CSUSB. Those selected for the 2008-2009 program will teach, as the instructor of record, one section of English 101 in Fall 07 and one in Winter 08 (based upon satisfactory teaching in Fall).

What kind of training and support is provided?

Those selected to participate will work as a cohort under the guidance of the TA coordinator. During Spring 2008, the group will meet with the TA Coordinator to further refine course materials, order texts, and otherwise prepare their courses. During the new academic year, the group will meet with the TA Coordinator once a week for an ongoing discussion of classroom issues and pedagogical practices. The TA Coordinator will also visit classrooms and provide TAs with non-evaluative feedback.

Do TAs receive any kind of financial compensation for their work?

Yes. Those selected will be employed as "Teaching Associates" and earn a quarterly salary that is subject to collective bargaining. The salary range is similar to that earned by adjunct faculty.

Can Literature and TESL concentration students apply to teach in the TA program, or is it only open to Composition concentration students?

All graduate students can apply to teach first year writing (ENG 101) as long as they have completed (or will have completed) the requirements listed in the application materials. For the 2008/09 year, sections of ENG 170 (Studies in Literature) or 85A or 85B (Introductory Composition-Multilingual) are not part of the TA program.

When are applications due?

Completed applications should be submitted to Dr. Boland's mailbox in the English Department office (UH 334) by the deadline of 4 p.m., May 12, 2008.

What if I have more questions?

Please read over the application materials for the 2008/2009 Teaching Associateship , Further questions about the TA program and/or the application process, can be referred to Dr. Boland, the Teaching Associate Coordinator, mboland@csusb.edu .