Northwestern University

Department: Temp Center

Salary/Grade: TMP/01

JOB DESCRIPTION

COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAM

TEACHING ASSISTANT (TA) IN-Focus

Start/End Date: Training: (two 2-hour sessions online) June 16 – 20, 2025

Class time: June 23 - Aug. 15, 2025 (may Vary)

Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus

Supervised by: Program Coordinator, College Preparation Program (CPP)

Time Commitment: Varies contingent upon seminar assignment(s), beginning June 16, 2025 (orientation/training); 

In-Focus (noncredit courses) June 23 - Aug. 15, 2025

Compensation: $17 per hour (up to 20 hours per week per class)

Program Description:

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit, and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years. As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100-and 200-level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars, are small, discussion-based and offered in special topics. Please visit our website for more information.

Position Summary:

The central responsibility of the CPP Teaching Assistant (TA) is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co-curricular components of the In-Focus Seminars. You will have a unique opportunity to bridge and cultivate learning inside and outside the classroom. As a Teaching Assistant you will be responsible for providing instructional and organizational support to a lead faculty member in the classroom. TAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students on a daily basis throughout the seminar. TAs will be responsible for regularly checking in with their assigned group of students. You will be responsible for coordinating and supervising students, including escorting students to class from residence hall. TAs report directly to the CPP Program Coordinator and may receive further supervision from the Director of Summer Session. This is a full or part-time position.

Teaching Assistant Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and enforce the university’s health requirements. 
• Participate in mandatory online training before program begins: June 16-20, 2025.
• Take attendance daily within first 15 minutes of class and submit to CPP administration. 
• Serve as mentor, resource, and facilitator of summer program policies and procedures.
• Abide by and enforce program Standards of Conduct and University rules and procedures and report unsafe and inappropriate behavior. 
• Represent and uphold the values of the Northwestern community and the College Preparation Program in all circumstances. 
• Attend all class meetings, providing classroom support and organization to faculty.
• Attend meetings with instructor and CPP Program Coordinator prior to and as needed while course is in session.
• Assist with communicating with students before and during seminar, notifying students of assignments, virtual field trips, any last minute schedule changes, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by CPP Program Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Completed two years of college by June 2025 (rising junior or senior)
• A consistent record of academic achievement 
• College-level coursework in one or more CPP/IN FOCUS academic subject area (biology, business, chemistry, creative writing, economics, engineering, environmental and earth sciences, expository writing, global health, humanities, international relations, legal studies, philosophy & literature, physics, political science)
• Energy, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate others
• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills 
• Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum
• Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor, or other capacity 
• Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable 
• Prior student affairs experience is also desirable.

Important Dates:

• Mandatory training before program begins: June 16-20, 2025 (two 2-hour online sessions)
• IN-Focus (noncredit courses) June 23 - Aug. 15, 2025 (may vary)
• Deadline to apply: April 15, 2025
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview

To Apply:

Click to Apply

You will need the following items (2):

• A current resume and cover letter
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact information

Contact Us: Please visit the College Preparation Program website at northwestern.edu/collegeprep to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions, email the CPP office at cpp@northwestern.edu or call 847-467-6703.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.