Center for Teaching & Learning

The Assistant Director for Student Support Programs oversees and coordinates the daily
operations of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Active Learning Assistant (ALA) Programs within the CTL and serves as part of the CTL leadership team.

The Assistant Director for Student Support Programming position is grounded in UMSL's strategic plan goals of strengthening academic success for targeted populations, increasing retention and graduation rates for UMSL undergraduate students, and diminishing the achievement gap in supported courses. This coordinated support structure helps students better understand concepts or applications of course content and contributes to students' sense of belonging at UMSL. By supporting both the SI and ALA programs, the Assistant Director provides an enriched "teaching team" of supports for faculty who teach large-enrollment classes with challenging content or who are using active learning strategies requiring additional support in the room. Responsibilities include promoting SI and ALA programs to students and instructors; recruiting, hiring, training and supervising SI leaders and ALA learning assistants; monitoring SI sessions; and conducting ongoing training and feedback meetings as well as designing and conducting program evaluations.

About the SI Program: The mission of the SI Program is to assist students in historically difficult courses by leading a weekly instructional session to discuss questions, share strategies for studying and practice before tests to facilitate student success. At the course level, SI improves pass rates and course grades. SI also helps students and faculty build community in the classroom. After implementing SI, students feel more engaged and connected to the course. As a result, SI can also improve course evaluations and the overall learning experience. At the degree program level, SI increases retention and reduces bottlenecks in required courses. SI streamlines the path to graduation by prompting students to make connections between courses and synthesize ideas across the curriculum. At the campus level, SI aligns with the overall mission and strategic plan. SI creates a more welcoming and vibrant campus for students, helps students become more career-ready, and prepares future leaders who will make a positive impact within the St. Louis region.

About the ALA program: The ALA program embeds undergraduate learning assistants in large enrollment classes in which faculty use active learning instructional strategies. The student learning assistants assist the faculty in each class to facilitate group work and other active learning techniques. This embedded instructional role allows enrolled students to feel supported in class activities as they discuss and practice learning key concepts. For students, the ALA program creates a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students. The ALA serves as a role model and mentor for the students by offering advice, providing study tips, and facilitating discussion in the class. Students also appreciate the ALA office hours (called "ALA Cafe" hours) available outside of class each week. For faculty, faculty benefit from selecting and mentoring a student leader who can assist in their courses. The ALAs provide feedback for the faculty, create course materials, and design activities. The program has been flexible enough to allow for limitless possibilities. Active Learning Assistants - The ALAs also benefit from the experience of serving in these roles. ALAs gain leadership skills, pedagogical training, and research-informed learning strategies. ALAs have opportunities to share their stories and be heard across campus. Faculty also become valuable mentors for ALAs. For most ALAs, the position aligns with their career goals, setting them on a pathway to success in the future.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Identify high D, F, and W courses and encourage faculty and instructors to engage collaboratively to arrange an SI leader for their courses.
• Recruit, hire, train, observe, supervise, mentor, and evaluate a staff of undergraduate student leaders annually to maintain high quality of instruction and ethical conduct.
• Schedule SI and ALA group trainings and actively engage in the inclusion of low-income students, under-prepared students and students who need accommodations.
• Maintain ongoing contact with faculty during the semester to monitor student progress.
• Publicize Supplemental Instruction and Active Learning Assistant programs by speaking or presenting to students, faculty members, and groups; preparing brochures and handouts; and distributing information at student workshops and through campus publications.
• Monitor and modify the program's services to meet the changing needs of the student population.
• Gather student and leader assessment/evaluation data each semester and report on program efficacy.
• Monitor the expenditure of funds to guarantee accountability and proper use of funds.
• Maintain a database to provide accurate statistical information on enrollment and participation.
• Approve bi-weekly payroll for 60+ student employees.
• Provide support to CTL Director on center priorities and strategic planning

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

40 hours/week with opportunity for four 10-hour days as flexible schedule option.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Doctorate preferred
• Applicants must have a Master's degree
• Experience teaching in higher education or experience supporting faculty in the delivery of courses
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating educational development programs
• Basic understanding of active learning and student engagement strategies
• Excellent active listening skills
• Knowledge of academic technology tools for student engagement in learning
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Highly skilled in interpersonal communication, consultation skills, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and diplomatically handle questions and services
• Experience in a supervisory role
• Experience working in a collaborative team
• Extensive knowledge and experience using a variety of active learning and student engagement strategies
• Sophisticated understanding of how to help student learn informed by learning theories or educational psychology
• Experience recruiting and supervising student employees
• Working knowledge of the scholarly literature in teaching and learning in higher education
• Demonstrated leadership for initiating projects and seeing them to conclusion
• Ability to problem solve and manage potentially stressful situations
• Contributes to an environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures, backgrounds, or with disabilities
  Knowledge of academic structures and values
• Ability to work with instructors and students from a wide range of academic cultures and disciplines
• 3 years of supervisory experience

Pay commensurate with education and experience.
Hiring Range: $65,000 annual
Grade: GGS-010
University Title: AST DIR Student Support Services

Application materials include a cover letter, resume, and a philosophy of teaching or philosophy of faculty development statement. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.

Applicants should combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Job site: http://umsl.jobs.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.