[Cwgrad-announcements] Regarding TA applications for the Writing Program

[rrussin at ucr.edu]

Words of wisdom--

Thanks, Stephanie!

I must emphasize that Stephanie is particularly correct about one thing: these are English Lit professors who'll be evaluating your applications. If your grammar or spelling are off, you likely will not get the job. 

Robin 


---- Original message ----
>Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 11:58:40 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Stephanie Hammer <hamm at ucr.edu>  
>Subject: Re: [Cwgrad-announcements] Regarding TA applications for the Writing Program  
>To: rrussin at ucr.edu, cwgrad-announcements at lists.ucr.edu
>Cc: andrew.winer at cox.net
>
>Hi all -- I'm going to jump in with a couple of hopefully helpful suggestions.
>
>As someone who also has a "weird" degree (i.e. Comparative Literature -- a degree which just about no one trusts), I can tell you that you need to really "sell" your abilities as a writing teacher, because you don't have a degree in English.
>
>Can you teach skills?  grammar?  communication?  etc?  Can you empower students to create cogent arguments?
>
>Yes, of course you can, but be sure to say so. If you have non-fiction writing and teaching experience this is particularly helpful.
>
>But the point to remember is that you are dealing primarily with English Lit folks on the receiving end of your application.  And there are a zillion English grad students who want this job.  How are you better?  Different?  More equipped to deal with today's student?  and so on.  
>
>Your answer is you are fabulously equipped, because you are a poet, screenplay writer, novelist, essayist, postmodern non-fiction writer or whatever and then you explain WHY that speciality in particular is crucial for helping students learn to write in the 21st Century.
>
>These are all elements to put -- using all your subtle creative skills -- into your letter of inquiry and statement of teaching philosophy (if they ask for one).
>
>Oh -- and if you've had a pedagogy class, be sure to say that too.
>
>Hope this is helpful.  I would love to see more CRWT folks involved in the Writing Program.
>
>Good Luck!
>Stephanie H
>
>
>
>"A major irritation, a most stern and ruthless activity without question or answer, a three-card trick, a necessity. A necessity to what?  The necessity to _say_."  Pinter on Beckett.  
>
>
>---- Original message ----
>>Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 11:05:15 -0700 (PDT)
>>From: cwgrad-announcements-bounces at lists.ucr.edu (on behalf of <rrussin at ucr.edu>)
>>Subject: [Cwgrad-announcements] Regarding TA applications for the Writing Program  
>>To: cwgrad-announcements at lists.ucr.edu
>>Cc: andrew.winer at cox.net
>>
>>Hi everyone--
>>
>>I've been getting some consistent questions about what they're looking for, so here are some answers. If Andrew or Kerby want to add anything, please do.
>>
>>A "CV" is a resume (curriculum vitae); you should highlight any teaching experience you may already have, especially if you've taught English or writing.
>>
>>The letter is to express interest in a Teaching Assistant position in the Writing Program. This is to teach expository writing skills so that your undergrad students will be literate in their future classwork (grammar, essay structure, etc., as well as how to write persuasively).
>>
>>Your writing sample should therefore be something that shows your own command of these elements. In other words, it should be correct in grammar, spelling, etc.
>>
>>It's a great program, and I believe most of our MFAs who've taught in it have had a good experience. Furthermore, as there are always more MFAs looking for TA positions than we have to offer in department, I recommend you follow through with these applications if you're interested.
>>
>>Remember to ask Adrienne or your grad advisors about the teaching practicum that all TAs have to take (it's not long, but is required).
>>
>>Robin Russin
>>Associate Professor & Acting Chair
>>Department of Theatre
>>University of California, Riverside
>>Riverside, CA 92521
>>(951) 827-2707
>>(213) 949-1061 cel
>>robin.russin at ucr.edu
>>
>>"If I look confused it's because I'm thinking." -- Samuel Goldwyn
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