MATHEMATICS/PHYSICS INSTRUCTOR
Req #: | 176723 |
Department: | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 03/26/2020 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | 60-65K, Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
Notes: |
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
This job is being reposted. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. First review of applications will take place on 17 April |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.
The College of Engineering has an outstanding opportunity for a Mathematics/Physics Instructor.
STARS is a specialized, wraparound support program for students with the goal of increasing the number of students from economically- and educationally-disadvantaged backgrounds who graduate from the UW with engineering degrees. This includes assisting students in identifying and addressing obstacles to their successful completion of engineering pre-requisites. Students are supported through an intensive, high-expectation, high-touch, excellence model in the first and second years; support is in alignment with students’ increasing independence and self-confidence in years 1-2.
This is an opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of your students. The STARS team is afforded the unique opportunity to directly affect our students’ ability to succeed and to visibly watch them grow academically, personally and professionally. It is not unusual for our students to state: “Without STARS I would not be an engineer.” Join our team and be a part of Engineering the Future.
The Mathematics/Physics Instructor is a key member of the STARS and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion teams. This position primarily designs and delivers academic support activities for mathematics (pre-calculus, calculus I, II, III) and physics ( I, II) that includes math and physics courses, supplemental workshops, tutoring, group study sessions and/or working with students individually. In part, goals are achieved via modeling and promoting amongst students excellence, high quality, strong work ethic, open mindset, inclusiveness and in general a “can-do” attitude. Incumbent must espouse to the belief that all students can succeed.
This position works closely with the program’s Director to design courses, workshops, tutoring sessions group study and individualized support. The focus in STARS math and physics courses is on strategic problem-solving and not on just getting the answer. The Math/Physics instructor is directly involved with and responsible for working closely with the STARS team to develop strategies and closely monitor student progress to reach program retention goals and objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
• Manage STARS math and physics curriculum development and planning including overseeing quarterly academic offerings (workshops, study sessions, tutoring).
• Ongoing design, implementation, assessment, and improvement of specialized courses and supplemental workshops.
TEACHING & INSTRUCTION
• Teach specialized courses and facilitate workshops for the STARS program; one course is the equivalent of two regular workshops and/or tutorials.
SAMPLE TEACHING SCHEDULE: (this is only a sample)
Fall Quarter: STARS Math Problem-Solving Course and Two Calculus III Workshops
Winter Quarter: STARS Physics Problem-solving Course and Two Calculus I Workshops
Spring Quarter: Two Workshops for Calculus II and Two Workshops for Physics I
Teaching schedule also includes a one-week bridge program (the week before the fall quarter) and homework over the summer prior to the start of freshmen year. Part of summer responsibilities also includes working with and/or tutoring students (individual and group) taking math during the summer quarter.
• Assist students in effectively making clear connections between the math or physics problem-solving process and the problem-solving process in general as well as other disciplines. Place significant emphasis on the problem-solving process.
• Set up Canvas pages for all courses, workshops and tutoring sessions.
• Hold regular office hours for individual and group assistance (some hours may be held in the evenings outside of business hours).
• Set clear standards for students in all courses and workshops so students can easily track their progress.
• Actively facilitate and encourage group study; dynamically teach students strategies for effective group study.
• Advise students outside of courses and workshops about mastering academic success and improving study skills – identify problems with learning and testing, develop effective group and individual solution strategies, and refer to STARS counselors and director as needed.
CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT & INTERVENTION MANAGEMENT
• Attend regularly scheduled staff, instructor, or other meetings.
• Work closely with academic team to assist in the accurate and timely scheduling of all STARS-related academic offerings.
• Support tutors in planning & scheduling quarterly tutoring and TUDs (Til You Drop Study Sessions). Collaborate with Study Skills tutors to ensure students are receiving appropriate tutoring.
• Must be willing to comply with other duties as assigned in support of the academic and curriculum components of the STARS program (this is an evolving position and thus some degree of growth and change in responsibilities can be expected).
ADMINISTRATION
• Attend regularly scheduled staff, instructor, or other meetings. Schedule & run curriculum meetings.
• Work closely with academic team to assist in the accurate and timely scheduling of all STARS-related academic offerings (meeting biweekly with STARS academic counselor to setup and coordinate quarterly schedules for STARS courses and workshops).
• Support tutors in planning & scheduling quarterly tutoring and TUDs (Til You Drop Study Sessions). Collaborate with Study Skills tutors to ensure students are receiving appropriate tutoring.
• Must be willing to comply with other duties as assigned in support of the academic and curriculum components of the STARS program (this is an evolving position and thus some degree of growth and change in responsibilities can be expected).
SUPERVISION
• Help with recruitment and hiring of math/physics instructional staff. Onboard, train, and supervise 1-2 math/physics Instructional Tutor Leads.
• Supervise academic support staff for Math/Physics (Math/Physics Instructional Tutor Leads).
• Oversee all aspects of Math/Physics instruction to ensure students are receiving necessary support.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Master's degree in mathematics, physics or engineering and:
• Minimum three years of full-time (six part-time) teaching experience in a higher education setting; demonstrated ease with navigating between teaching mathematics and physics; experience can be in math with the clear/distinct ability to also teach physics or vice versa but must be able to teach both at a high level.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to focus teaching on reasoning and the Why and How of math and physics and teaching for both subjects, rather than memorization (insisting students explain the why and how and explore alternative methods).
• Passion for teaching undergraduates and encouraging students towards excellence, hard work, perseverance, and pushing themselves beyond where they think they can go; strong belief in the idea that all students can learn and succeed and a passion for assisting students in overcoming individual obstacles to learning.
• Conscientious in understanding that students learn in relation to the expectations set for them (STARS is a high-expectations environment); ability to set and maintain standards and expectations and hold students accountable for academic excellence.
• Proven creative, flexible, collaborative and enthusiastic self-starter who can respond effectively to changing needs and will take full ownership of all assigned tasks in support of program goals.
• Knowledge of effectively utilizing a variety of strategies in order to accommodate various student learning styles and often-disparate pre-college academic preparation.
• A collaborative style and ability to work with a dynamic team in a fast-paced, growing, and frequently changing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Position requires some evening and weekend hours.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
• Familiarity with administrative policies and procedures in a university environment.
• Knowledge of STEM higher education and different fields of engineering.
• Familiarity with and understanding of Angela Duckworth’s research on grit and how to utilize this to motivate and assist students in working harder and persevering.
• Four to Five years of full-time teaching experience in a higher education setting strongly preferred.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. 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 all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.