Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) Summer Institute
Teaching Assistant (TA) Job Description
Summer 2023
Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) overview:
PUPP is a rigorous, comprehensive academic and cultural enrichment program that supports high achieving, low-income high school students from Ewing, Princeton, Trenton, Lawrence, and Nottingham High Schools. PUPP is a highly engaged, holistic college preparation and success program that fosters development of students who have been historically marginalized. Our multi-year, tuition-free program prepares participants for admission to and success within selective colleges and universities, and beyond.
PUPP Summer Institute overview:
Summer Institute is an intensive six-and-a-half week summer institute at Princeton University that offers a fun, engaging, interactive hands-on learning experience for its scholars. Summer academic courses range from literature and writing to college preparation, math, art, sociology, and laboratory science. Courses are taught by master teachers from the region. Additional activities will include a day-long leadership retreat, college visits, and trips to museums and cultural institutions.
Over the last two summers, Scholars:
- conducted and presented independent research in science classes,
- produced their own art centering our 2022 theme (culture and identity) in Art,
- performed literature-based skits based on readings by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and held a talkback with renowned authors Angie Cruz and Ernesto Quiñonez in Literature class,
- produced a podcast,
- practiced yoga and mindfulness weekly, and
- learned to be critical consumers of information in Personal Development and College Admissions 101 -- just to name a few!
PUPP is currently seeking outstanding undergraduates to serve as TAs for our 2023 Summer Institute!
Teaching Assistant Position Description:
TAs are peer leaders assigned to a grade-level cohort (10th, 11th or 12th) and assist with instruction in the core academic courses for their 24 scholars. TAs accompany their student cohorts through all six classes (three per day on an A/B schedule) and on excursions, assist summer faculty in classes, and provide tutoring, mentoring, and logistical support. TAs play a crucial role with the students, balancing a fine line between mentor and teacher/leader. Some weekend and evening work required. An interest in teaching, urban education, and/or college access for underrepresented students is a definite plus.
Strong candidates for the position should:
- possess and be able to model strong academic, organizational and communication skills;
- be competent in one or more of the following subject areas: literature, writing, advanced math, life and/or physical sciences, social science, art
- be energetic, self-motivated, flexible, and enjoy working with teenagers
- be organized, effective task managers
- be adaptable problem-solvers who are able to respond quickly to a dynamic work environment
Program Commitment
Teaching Assistants should plan to be in residence and remain on campus from June 11th to August 5th. They should plan to spend approximately 40 hours per week on the following responsibilities:
- Attend and participate in a 7-day training on June 12th-21st. (Off for Juneteenth)
- Attend Opening Ceremony (and support where necessary) on Saturday, June 17th
- Attend and help facilitate PBC Retreat on June 22nd and 23rd
- Assist students during class Monday-Friday; support teaching faculty where necessary (Off July 4th)
- Lead online tutoring sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings
- Provide mentorship, curricular, and co-curricular support to PUPP scholars both in- and outside of class
Benefits
Teaching Assistants will gain:
- Room and 2 meals/day beginning June 11th and ending August 5th
- An additional $17/hr for 30 hrs/week during the 7 day training; 40hrs/week during the 6-wk PUPP Summer Institute
- Mentorship from PUPP staff and instructors
- Youth development experience with a diverse high school population
Total Commitment: ~40 hours/week
To apply for this opportunity, please email the following documents to Dawn M. Wilson, PUPP Associate Director, at [email protected]. Deadline to Apply: January 21, 2023
- Letter of interest (cover letter)
- Resume
- Contact information for one professional or academic reference.
Please direct any questions to Dawn M. Wilson, PUPP Associate Director, at [email protected].