Non-traditional Teaching Opportunities: Using a Visiting Assistant Professorship to Launch a Professional Career & Other Stories Kathryn M.S. Johnson, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor Beloit College Department of Biology

Edgerton Beloit Nashville

POSTED JANUARY, 2008 – Visiting Assistant Professor: The Biology Department at Beloit College seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor or Instructor to teach full-time during the academic year. The person we hire would teach a total of four courses: two sections of introductory Human Biology during the fall semester and two additional sections of introductory biology during the spring semester. The spring courses might be Human Biology, Zoology, or a topical course that focuses on human health, biological impacts of global change, or other current issue at the intersection of biology and society. All introductory courses at Beloit College are inquiry-based, have an integrated laboratory component, enroll biology majors and other students, and are limited to 24 students. Ph.D. or ABD in Biology or a related, appropriate field preferred. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience in a department nationally known for innovative pedagogy. Over the last 20 years, temporary instructors in our department have secured tenure-track positions at many colleges and universities.

Edgerton Beloit Nashville

Responsibilities Orientation Teach two courses each semester Lecture and laboratory Four office hours per week Advising

“Extras” On campus minimum five days per week Designed courses Attended all department and governance meetings Conducted research and published with students Served on committees Contributed to community activities

Visiting Assistant Professor Pros Applicant pool extremely small YOU decide how you can use this opportunity Job development Complete Ph.D. Family Teaching experience Gain confidence and experiment Mentors for guidance Add to your workload at your own pace Learn academia and “hidden” politics

Visiting Assistant Professor Cons Expectations can be unclear Mentoring situation could be difficult if teaching styles are different Limited contract (although could be extended) Family considerations

Visiting Assistant Professor Other Thoughts “A visiting professorship is exactly what you make it.” “The experience really depends on how the department views the position.” “At first I was intimidated by the freedom, but now I really enjoy it.” “It was great for me while I was finishing my Ph.D. and starting my family.”

POSTED JANUARY, 2008 – Visiting Assistant Professor: The Biology Department at Beloit College seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor or Instructor to teach full-time during the academic year. The person we hire would teach a total of four courses: two sections of introductory Human Biology during the fall semester and two additional sections of introductory biology during the spring semester. The spring courses might be Human Biology, Zoology, or a topical course that focuses on human health, biological impacts of global change, or other current issue at the intersection of biology and society. All introductory courses at Beloit College are inquiry-based, have an integrated laboratory component, enroll biology majors and other students, and are limited to 24 students. Ph.D. or ABD in Biology or a related, appropriate field preferred. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience in a department nationally known for innovative pedagogy. Over the last 20 years, temporary instructors in our department have secured tenure-track positions at many colleges and universities.

Education Outreach NAME: Tiffany Ellis Farmer, Ph.D. TITLE: Research Fellow Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach RESPONSIBILITIES: Coordinate summer research experience for rising high school seniors Oversee graduate student and post doc teaching experiences in local schools Plan, implement, and assess curriculum for newly formed STEM academy PROS Something new everyday Teaching and administrative experience Community interaction Knowledge of K-12 system CONS Have to learn a lot – FAST! Position funded by soft money May have trouble transitioning away from outreach

Graduate Training NAME: Heather Pelzel, Ph.D. TITLE: Teaching Fellow (former) HHMI WI Program for Scientific Teaching Visiting Assistant Professor (current) Beloit College Department of Biology Assistant Professor (future) UW-Whitewater Department of Biology RESPONSIBILITIES: With the consent of her PI, a one year commitment to attend teaching seminar and teach biology course while full-time graduate student EXTRAS: Numerous teaching workshop and teaching assistant PROS Course development and teaching experience during graduate school CONS Every fellow had a different experience Longer time in graduate school

Postdoctoral Training NAME: Chris Ramnanan, Ph.D. TITLE: Postdoctoral Fellow Vanderbilt Scientist-Educator Program RESPONSIBILITIES: 25% - With the consent of his PI, a three year commitment to attend, assist, and teach medical school anatomy 75% - Laboratory research, including peer-reviewed publications EXTRAS: Study sessions for medical students A lot of extra time in the lab! PROS Extensive teaching experience Develop research program Prepare for faculty position at a medical school (high demand) CONS Possible funding cuts Time in the lab is severely limited when teaching

Acknowledgments Contact Information Kathryn M.S. Johnson, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor Beloit College Department of Biology Beloit College Department of Biology – Heather Pelzel, Ph.D. Tiffany Farmer, Ph.D. Chris Ramnanan, Ph.D. Ted Gries, Ph.D. Kevin Braun, Ph.D.