Opportunities for Purdue Graduate Students in English, 2009-2010
The Writing Lab is accepting applications for graduate tutor positions for the 2009-2010 academic year. Deadline for applications is Monday, February 2. For more information about graduate tutor positions, see the FAQs below or contact Tammy Conard-Salvo, Writing Lab Associate Director. A copy of the online application form can be found below.
We are interested in reflecting the diversity of the Purdue community. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for positions in the Writing Lab.
FAQs: Graduate Tutor Positions
Who may apply?
Graduate students in the English Department at Purdue can apply if they 1) have taught for at least one year in the ICaP program or are in their first year of teaching in ICaP; 2) have been mentored; 3) and plan to work in the Writing Lab for at least one year may apply. We have Writing Lab consultants from all fields of English Studies—literature, theory, rhetoric and composition, ESL and creative writing. We accept applications from both M.A. and Ph.D. students.
What is tutoring like?
Most tutoring occurs in one-to-one sessions, the goal of which is to help students become better writers, not merely to improve individual texts. Writing Lab consultants do not proofread. We talk to students about their writing and help them figure out how to say what they want to say. We encourage you to stop by HEAV 226 to learn more about the Writing Lab and our sessions.
Writing Lab consultants help students work on all kinds of writing, including assignments from first year composition, upper division papers from across the disciplines, resumes and job letters, technical writing, and graduate theses.
How much do Writing Lab Instructors work?
Writing Lab consultant positions are quarter-time positions. Normally, consultants spend 8 hours a week tutoring in the Lab. The rest of the time is used for staff meetings and other work. Tutoring in the Lab has a different rhythm than classroom teaching, but most consultants will tell you that it requires about the same amount of effort as classroom teaching.
Writing Lab consultants take on other tasks for one or two hours a week, such as giving workshops, conducting conversation groups for English as a Second Language students, and answering questions submitted to the OnLine Writing Lab (OWL). In your second and subsequent years in the Writing Lab (if you choose to stay on), there is the potential to gain administrative experience in positions as Business Writing Coordinator, English as a Second Language Coordinator, OWL Mail Coordinator, and Workshop Coordinator.
How much specialized knowledge do I need to be a tutor?
Tutors take a Practicum throughout their first semester of teaching, and they are observed and mentored as they go along. We look for potential tutors with different kinds of knowledge and experience, and you will gain the rest of what you need to know on the job, through mentoring, regular staff meetings, and interacting with other Writing Lab staff. Previous experience in a writing center can be useful, but is not required.
How are tutoring hours scheduled?
Schedules for tutoring are built around consultants’ teaching and class schedules, and schedules shift each semester as necessary. Most tutors end up with schedules that are close to what they have requested.
How long can graduate instructors work in the Purdue Writing Lab?
YYou can work in the Lab as long as you are funded by the English department and as long as you are a consultant in good standing.
What professional development opportunities are available for Writing Lab Instructors?
In addition to tutoring, Writing Lab consultants participate in a variety of professional development activities, from presenting at conferences to developing new materials for the OWL. Consultants may also take on administrative responsibilities by serving as coordinators for various Writing Lab services. Furthermore, they develop and facilitate workshops, lead conversation groups, and mentor undergraduate tutors.
How do I apply?
Indicate the Writing Lab on your Teaching Assignments sheets from Judy Ware. There's a place for "Writing Lab Tutors" under "Non-classroom Assignments." You must then submit a Writing Lab Graduate Tutor Application Form. This PDF application form has interactive form fields, so you can type your responses to the questions. Please submit your application to the Writing Lab by 6:00 pm on Monday, February 2, 2009.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive two sample essays, and you will be contacted by two current Writing Lab consultants for an interview.
How are tutors selected?
Once prospective tutors submit their application forms, they will be interviewed by two current Writing Lab consultants. Candidates will answer a series of questions about their interest in tutoring and about two sample student essays. After the interviews, the entire Writing Lab staff decides who to hire.
How can I get more information about the Writing Lab?
You may drop by before the application deadline to visit the Lab. Simply come to HEAV 226 and check in with the front desk. You'll have the opportunity to meet with Writing Lab staff and see the space.
For more information about the Writing Lab and working as a graduate consultant, please contact Tammy Conard-Salvo.