Temporary Teaching Assistant; TA In-Focus

Job Details

Department:
Temp Center

Salary/Grade: TMP/01

Job

Location:

Evanston, Illinois (Northwestern University, Evanston Campus)

The Northwestern College Preparation Program (CPP) offers academically advanced high school students from across the US and abroad the opportunity to enroll in one of two academic program options: undergraduate courses for credit, and noncredit IN FOCUS (on campus) seminars. Participants experience college life and academics in a safe and supportive environment, which prepares them for college success in their first years.

As either residents or commuters, CPP students may take a variety of 100‑ and 200‑level Northwestern courses to earn college credit, which may be transferred to the university in which they ultimately enroll. Our noncredit courses, IN FOCUS seminars, are small, discussion‑based and offered in special topics.

The central responsibility of the CPP Teaching Assistant (TA) is to provide mentorship and support for the academic, experiential, and co‑cultural components of the In‑Focus Seminars. You will bridge and cultivate learning inside and outside the classroom, providing instructional and organizational support to a lead faculty member.

TAs are expected to be engaging, visible, and accessible to students on a daily basis throughout the seminar. They will regularly check in with assigned groups, coordinate and supervise students, and escort students to class from residence halls.

• Adhere to and enforce the university's policies.
• Participate in mandatory online training before program begins:
  June 8‑12, 2026.
• Take attendance daily within first 15 minutes of class and submit to CPP administration.
• Serve as mentor, resource, and facilitator of summer program policies and procedures.
• Abide by and enforce program Standards of Conduct and University rules and procedures, reporting unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
• Represent and uphold the values of the Northwestern community and the College Preparation Program in all circumstances.
• Attend all class meetings, providing classroom support and organization to faculty.
• Attend meetings with instructor and CPP Program Coordinator before and as needed while course is in session.
• Assist with communicating with students before and during seminar, notifying students of assignments, virtual field trips, and any last‑minute schedule changes.
• Escort students to class from residence hall and to lunch from class on first day(s) of class(es).
• Other duties as assigned by CPP Program Coordinator.

• Completed two years of college by June 2026 (rising junior or senior).
• A consistent record of academic achievement.
• College‑level coursework in one or more CPP/IN FOCUS academic subject area (biology, business, chemistry, creative writing, economics, engineering, environmental and earth sciences, expository writing, global health, humanities, international relations, legal studies, philosophy & literature, physics, political science).
• Energy, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate others.
• A strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level of maturity.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem‑solving skills.
• Team player with an ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff.

• Knowledge of the Northwestern environment, preferably as a current matriculated student or CPP/NHSI/CTD alum.
• Previous experience working with high school students as an RA, camp counselor, tutor, or other capacity.
• Previous teaching, mentoring, and/or counseling experience is desirable.
• Prior student affairs experience is also desirable.

• Mandatory training before program begins:
  June 8‑12, 2026 (two 1.5‑hour online sessions).
• IN‑Focus (noncredit courses):
  June 22 – July 31, 2026 (may vary).
• Final date to receive applications:
  April 15, 2026.
• Applicants will be notified via email if they have been selected for an interview.

Please click the designated application link.

You will need the following items (2):

• A current resume and cover letter.
• Provide a list of three professional references and their contact…