Course Description
Did you know that mp3 players, microwaves, copy machines,
cell phones, and universal remote controls are all robotic systems? This hands-on
course focuses on mechanical construction, characteristics of sensors, motors
and batteries, and control strategies for autonomous robots. Students are
members of class teams that design, build and program complete robots that
participate in competitions. Biologically inspired approaches to the design and
control of autonomous robots are emphasized. Students use Lego Tetrix kits.
Spectrum Program in
Evanston
CTD Instructors
are responsible for the design and implementation of their course curriculum.
CTD administrative staff provides guidance to ensure that courses are
appropriate for students in the Summer Program and align with other course
offerings in rigor and scope of content covered. Instructors are also role
models for staff and students.
General Responsibilities:
- Carefully review all
program, site and staff materials provided by the Summer Program. Return all completed paperwork as requested;
- Attend staff training;
- Uphold and promote the CTD Honor Code;
- Follow all CTD rules and regulations concerning staff conduct,
appropriate dress, program procedures, and other responsibilities as set forth
in the staff handbook and by administrative staff;
- Assume
program related responsibilities as requested by CTD administrative staff.
CTD Instructors are required to:
Pre-Session
- Complete online professional development prior to Instructional
Staff Training;
- Science instructors: participate
in Northwestern University and outside laboratory safety training;
prepare and implement safety plans according to laboratory guidelines
and regulations;
- Design
all instructional activities and components of the course;
- Prepare
a syllabus for each course that follows the CTD template;
- Submit
syllabus to administrative staff for review within 30 days of receipt of the
syllabus template;
- Choose
appropriate instructional materials for the course including books, films,
software, lab supplies and other necessary equipment within budget as outlined by
administrative staff and on supply order forms as directed;
- Submit
materials requests to CTD administrative staff by communicated deadlines;
- In
consultation with administrators, select evaluation instruments for each
course, including pre- and post-tests;
- Arrange
all class field trips with the Program and/or Academic Coordinator and complete
the field trip request form;
- Contact
Residential Teaching Assistant (RTA, Equinox only) or Teaching Assistant (TA)
and the Lab Prep Coordinator, if applicable, to review course syllabus and
schedule. Review expected R/TA role and course goals;
- Become familiar with any
medical notes (i.e. allergies or other medical needs) of those students in
Instructor’s course only, and uphold confidentiality policies.
During Session
- Check in with Academic Coordinator (AC) on Opening Day (Sunday
prior to each session) before going to classroom;
- Welcome students and their families on Opening Day;
- Uphold and promote CTD’s
Honor Code, and the standard of supervision with students as required by
program;
- Arrive promptly and be present for all required work hours (8:15
a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday);
- Check mailbox and email daily for announcements and updates;
- Attend Instructor meeting;
- Ensure that all needed instructional materials are present for
each class including books, films, copies, etc.;
- Supervise the R/TA who assists with the class and prepare
materials for R/TA to use during the study sessions;
- Prepare
and provide materials to be available for substitutes as necessary. Notify CTD
in the event of an absence, illness, or emergency;
- Administer pre- and post-assessments and record results;
- Utilize the online student grading system using guidelines
provided by CTD administrators;
- Implement interventions for NCA accreditation as necessary (more
information will be provided through an online posting and during Instructional
Staff Training);
- Communicate
regularly with residential and administrative staff about student progress.
Complete and submit Communication Forms as necessary;
- In
collaboration with the Academic Coordinator, maintain contact with families
regarding student progress as needed;
- Supervise
and conduct class field trips, if applicable;
- Complete midterm evaluations for students and share with AC as
needed. Communicate with parents of students who are having academic
difficulties;
- Prepare
and submit a sample student evaluation according to CTD guidelines;
- Collect samples of student work and gather material as directed by
AC for course file;
- Assure that the course R/TA administers the End of Course survey
to students;
- Complete program and R/TA evaluations electronically;
- Facilitate Closing Day activities.
Post-Session
- Submit completed written evaluations via the online StEW system for
each student according to CTD guidelines;
- Turn
in course folder including course documents, pre- and post-tests, NCA materials
(if necessary), End of Course evaluations, and
student work;
- Clean classroom and return supplies.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s
degree and teaching experience required; master’s degree or equivalent
preferred. Given the pace of the program, limited timeframe, and the high
expectations for students and staff, instructors in the Summer Program must be
veteran, master teachers with a passion for their subject area of expertise, learning
and the ability to adapt content to a fast-paced environment. Instructors
should have a minimum of three years teaching experience and have worked with
gifted and/or high achieving students. Instructors should be experts in the
subject matter, as well as in classroom communication and management.
Instructors need to be adept at using a variety of teaching methods, assessing
student needs and progress, and differentiating instruction for the myriad
abilities of gifted learners. Experience with compacted curriculum is a plus.
Employment
Dates and Stipend:
Course and
curriculum planning: March – May, 2013
Tentative training
date: June 27, 2013
Session 1: June 30 – July 19, 2013
Session 2: July 21 –
August 9, 2013
Starting salary $3,100 per session, increasing
to $3,400 per session depending on CTD Summer Program experience
Limited housing is available to instructors joining CTD from
outside the Chicagoland area.
To apply, go to: www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer/jobs