Student Academic Apprenticeships
English majors and minors can apprentice in an English or Writing course. Student apprentices assist the professor in teaching the course by:
- Helping with in-class activities
- Leading small-group discussions
- Designing assignments
- Mentoring students
If you particularly enjoyed a class and would be interested in assisting the professor in future offerings, talk with the professor to see if they are interested in having a teaching apprentice. Through a teaching apprenticeship (ENGL 394), you can work closely with a professor, gain valuable leadership experience, improve your interpersonal skills, and fulfill your service-learning requirement.
If you decide that an academic apprenticeship is right for you, fill out this online application form to get started.
Writing Assistants: Center for Writing Excellence
It's no big secret that English majors tend to be excellent writers, so it's no surprise that many of the writing assistants in the Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) are English majors and minors. These experiences provide great opportunities to build leadership skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Writing assistants and fellows receive intensive training in both theory and techniques for tutoring, peer mentoring, writing, and research in ENGL 397 Writing Center Theory and Practice. This prepares them to work with students on everything from getting started on an assignment, to connecting to their audience, to effectively supporting their points, to putting the finishing touches on a project.
Writing is required by students in all majors across campus, and many students could use some help honing their writing and research skills, especially when a project is at stake. Even the most scientific research projects rely on clear and effective writing to serve their purpose.
See the Center for Writing Excellence for more detail about how you can become a writing assistant. In addition to providing a valuable service that benefits students and faculty alike, this opportunity allows the writing assistants and fellows to gain teaching/tutoring experience, improve interpersonal skills, and further develop their own writing.
