Physics Learning Assistant

Job Purpose/Description

Physics LAs help students with strategies for learning. They help students and the instructor triage problems in the lab. LAs stay prepared on the material physics students are learning, attend their assigned physics lab(s), help students learn, and assist with safety and organization. They may also be called on to help in the lecture portions of the physics course. They may also help with grading. An LA assigned to one lab can expect to spend ~3 hours/week on this job; each additional lab is another ~1.75 hrs/week. Additional required training and professional development might total 10-15 hrs per semester.

Job Duties

• Stay prepared on upcoming physics material
• Attend weekly prep meeting, then one or more physics labs
• Help students learn in physics labs
• Assist with safety and organization in the physics lab
• Possible occasional help in physics lectures
• Other possible duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Must be a current or incoming CSS student
• Availability for some physics lab(s) on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays for the next academic year
• Good grades (B+ or better) in physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses (or a trend of recent improvement)
• Evidence of being helpful to partners in physics
• Thoughtfulness regarding strategies for learning
• Interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Federal work study eligibility is preferred
• Excellent grades (A- or better) in physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses (or a trend of significant recent improvement)
• Calculus experience
• Overlap with other peer mentoring / teaching positions, such as being a tutor, a CLG/SI leader, homework session leader, Dignitas MTA, etc.