PILCHUCK GLASS SCHOOL: TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Deadline February 3, 2016 12:00 am

THE ROLE OF A TEACHING ASSISTANT

The primary role of a TA is to support teaching and community building activities within Pilchuck’s unique educational and artistic community.
Successful candidates would have an interest in teaching, great project planning and time management skills, be proactive, and enjoy problem solving. All assistants must have extensive studio experience and an interest in collaboration. Though not necessary, it is helpful for TAs to have previous experience at Pilchuck.
Each instructor is assisted by two or three TAs, depending on the studios being used and sometimes class size. TAs may know the instructor well, or not at all. In either case, the instructor should discuss what he/she expects to accomplish, and what he/she thinks students should know, experience, or discover, technically and artistically. It is important that TAs support the same goals as the instructor and the course as described in the course catalog.
TA responsibilities include:

  • Communicate effectively with students, staff, studio coordinators, and instructors.
  • Help instructors demonstrate various techniques pertaining to course content.
  • Assist students in improving their skills and exploring ideas or processes.
  • Encourage individual creative expression.
  • Oversee safe and proper use and clean up of facilities.
  • Participate in campus events.
  • Attend scheduled meetings.

Instructors may assign special responsibilities for firing, investing, cleaning, distributing materials and supplies, annealing, charging, and so forth. It is important for TAs to work closely and in collaboration with the studio coordinators and staff, and other instructors and TAs sharing the facilities. After all class needs are met, there may be an opportunity for TAs to make their own work upon arrangement with the instructor.
Besides gaining valuable teaching and studio experience, TAs also receive housing, meals, a $50 store credit, and 60% of round-trip coach air travel between their home and Pilchuck; full details/reimbursement restrictions outlined in acceptance paperwork.
Questions? Contact the registrar at [email protected] or call 360.445.3111 ext. 29.
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