Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Working for our center provides many benefits. Our students graduate with experience teaching in two areas, which is an asset in a tight job market. Participating in the life of an interdisciplinary program also leads students to consider their studies from multiple perspectives, broadening their insights. Finally, as a relatively small program, we are able to provide every student with opportunities to engage in non-teaching aspects of academic work, such as committee service and curriculum development. We offer intensive training in pedagogy, with particular attention to teaching to diverse audiences and dealing with controversial subjects.

Applicants should be a degree seeking graduate student in good standing, show evidence of relevant experience; display an interest and background in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies; possess strong research abilities; and demonstrate excellent English written and oral communication skills. We seek representation from a variety of disciplines and populations within the university. Ordinarily, our teaching assistants are expected to enroll in one of our graduate certificates.

How To Apply

You must provide:

  • current résumé or curriculum vitae
  • copy of your transcripts (unofficial is fine)
  • copy of the Graduate School's assistantship application
  • academic writing sample (preferably related to Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies)
  • letter explaining their interest in the position
  • Two written letters of recommendation
    • letters of recommendation must arrive in our office in a signed and sealed envelope or by email directly from the author
  • you must apply for work-study funds
    • work-study eligibility is not required for the position

Terms of Appointment

  • Ordinarily, assistants will be expected to enroll in a graduate concentration in Women's and Gender, Law and Women or LGBT Studies.
  • Assistants report to the director of the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, although teaching duties will also be supervised by other faculty working with the center.
  • Whenever possible, pay will be at or above the rate of the graduate assistant's home department.
  • A full time assistantship is a commitment of 20 hours per week throughout the contract period; a half-time assistantship is a commitment of 10 hours per week throughout the contract period.
  • Continued appointment (up to two years) contingent upon satisfactory progress toward degree and satisfactory review by director in consultation with program staff.
  • Other conditions of employment may be stipulated in the offering letter.

Objectives and Tasks

  • Participate in teaching Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies core courses (WGST 101, 201, 202 and/or LGBT 350) by leading discussion sections and assisting lecturers, or to assist with special topics courses (as requested).
  • Assist in planning and arrangements for program-related events and attend such events whenever possible, represent the program on committees when necessary, and participate in meetings of center staff and the CSWGS Governance Council as requested.
  • Recruit undergraduate students for the center's undergraduate certificates and minors, and to assist in identifying research materials for courses in the certificates and minors.

If you have questions or to submit applications, please contact:

Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality
Reavis Hall 103
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-1038
Email: wgs@niu.edu

**Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, status based on the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. Further, the Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University provides for equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation.

Contact Us

Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality
Reavis Hall, Room 103
DeKalb, IL 60115

Phone: 815-753-1038
Email: wgs@niu.edu

Membership

National Women's Studies Association

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