Engineering Education Specialist

Job Description

Together with world-class partners, the University of Washington’s College of Engineering is developing a new generation of innovators. A national leader in educating engineers, each year the College turns out new discoveries, inventions and top-flight graduates, all contributing to the strength of our economy and the vitality of our community. As a College of Engineering employee, you can help create a real impact for our students, faculty, friends and fellow staff while joining a community of innovators committed to building a culture where all members thrive, are valued and feel a sense of belonging.

Position Purpose

The Engineering Education Specialist will be designing and delivering supplemental instruction for mathematics, science, and engineering courses or instruction on personal, professional, and leadership development. This role primarily instructs incoming college students, first-year students, and sophomores. Additionally, they will collaborate with a larger team in preparing curriculum and providing instructional support for the College of Engineering summer outreach/support programs.

Position Complexities

This position is responsible for providing academic support for first and second-year students transitioning to the University of Washington College of Engineering. The position will play a key role in leading various components during summer transition programs and will then consistently work with students in the STARS program during the academic year. STARS students are conditionally admitted to the College of Engineering or Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and traditionally come from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds. The position will need to be flexible, responsive, and adaptable to these various populations. 

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University

This position is essential in supporting STARS, the College of Engineering's longest-running access and retention program. The success and retention of STARS scholars is essential to achieving the College's mission of improving access to higher education while holistically supporting talented students from underserved backgrounds. This position is responsible for teaching up to three supplemental sections a quarter that reinforce students' STEM proficiency alongside college readiness skills such as study habits and time management. They will not only be leading consistent academic support, but they will also contribute significantly to STARS cohort building and a sense of community for students in the program. In the summer, this position also becomes part of a teaching team focused on pre-college students. They will interact with hundreds of students and their families to inspire an interest in engineering and the UW.

Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum design and instruction (65%)

• Collaborate with the instructional and student services teams to build curriculum and study materials to help students excel in core engineering requirements. Each Engineering Education Specialist will generally focus on a particular subject or area. This position focuses on chemistry and/or physics. Areas the STARS program supports include: 
  • Math (algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, etc.) 
  • Chemistry 
  • Physics 
  • Engineering fundamentals (statics, mechanics, dynamics) 
  • Personal, professional, and leadership development
• Develop study skills and the thinking and problem-solving skills required to succeed in all engineering courses.
• Teach up to three sessions per quarter of ENGR 19x academic workshops. ENGR 19x are supplemental workshops paired with UW STEM subjects (EX. CHEM 142).
• Develop close working relationships with partners and stakeholders. (EX. UW departmental faculty, industry connections, OMAD, etc.).
• Create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment that addresses multiple modalities of learning. 
• Foster a sense of community throughout teaching activities.

Summer programs (20%)

• Engage with a broader team in the planning and execution of summer programs; collaborate on the development of curriculum specific to the student populations.
• Teach academic content, build relationships with students, and contribute to cohort/community building during the summer transition program.
• Teach during outreach programs to support diverse students. Contribute to the college’s outreach and recruitment efforts by working to inspire students to pursue engineering at the UW.

Individual student support (10%)

• Offer consistent office hours for all sections of courses taught during the quarter.
• Provide availability for individual learning consultations.
• Build meaningful, individual relationships with students in collaboration with their assigned advisers. Provide tailored outreach or support to these students to address any concerns or difficulties; proactively pursue their success.

Administrative Support (5%)

• Build meaningful, individual relationships with students in collaboration with their assigned advisers. Provide tailored outreach or support to these students to address any concerns or difficulties; proactively pursue their success.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, or related field
• 2-3 years of experience teaching chemistry and/or physics

Desired

• Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or Teaching/Education.
• Prior work with underserved students who encounter structural obstacles or barriers in their educational journey.
• Teaching experience in a higher education setting.
• Curriculum development experience.

Working Environmental Conditions

This position will require many hours of standing at the whiteboard or front of the classroom, providing instruction, in addition to moving around the classroom, providing individualized and small group support for students. Additionally, this position requires many hours a day of simple grasping/fine manipulation work, writing on whiteboards, writing comments on student work/feedback/grading, and showing students how to navigate websites. The position will require frequent, large amounts of keyboarding or typing, as a large number of communications will be done through e-mail, handouts, PowerPoint, Canvas, etc. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.