Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

Job Description

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) | Ohio University – Parks Rec and Leisure Studies

The Tone:
This is an early career position at Ohio University, located in Athens, OH. The Parks Rec and Leisure Studies program is dedicated to providing experiential learning through skills-based courses. This role is crucial for delivering engaging outdoor education, enabling undergraduate students to develop practical skills in various adventure activities while supporting your pursuit of a Master’s Degree.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Part-time
• Location: Athens, OH

• Team: Parks Rec and Leisure Studies program
• Mission: Play a pivotal role in planning and facilitating 1-credit, skills-based courses for undergraduate students.
• Tech Stack: CANVAS

What You’ll Actually Do
• Instruct: Lead four (4) one-credit skills courses each semester, serving as the official instructor of record.
• Develop: Create detailed lesson plans that outline specific course progressions for various outdoor activities like Backpacking, Rock Climbing, and Kayaking.
• Manage: Administer the CANVAS learning management system for each course, ensuring effective communication and resource sharing with students.
• Facilitate: Organize and lead mandatory weekend skills development trips that are an integral component of each course.
• Support: Assist in managing the program’s outdoor gear and inventory system while providing support on additional weekend trips as needed.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, Hospitality, and Tourism. Early career professional in outdoor education or related fields.
• Experience: Demonstrated instructional experience in at least one core programming area (e.g., Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking) and experience working with and planning for a broad range of abilities, alongside risk management experience.
• Skills: Wilderness First Responder Certification, the ability to instruct in ways that connect with diverse learning preferences, and a fun, positive, and engaging attitude.
• Bonus: Prior trip leading experience in a backcountry setting.