School of Nursing & Health Innovations Learning Assistant

University of Portland Portal•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Learning Assistants (LAs) will support student learning in selected lecture courses, specifically NRS 325 and NRS 326 (Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I and II). LAs will collaborate with other student LAs and a specific instructor to plan, coordinate, and deliver weekly learning forums that reinforce content taught in lecture courses. Additionally, LAs will assist instructors with in-class activities as their schedules permit. A key aspect of this role is the ability to comfortably explain concepts covered in the supported courses. LAs are hired for the full academic year, covering both fall and spring semesters. Each LA will be assigned a specific instructor for support and mentorship, dedicating approximately one hour per week (paid) to discuss class material, explore teaching strategies, and provide in-class instructional support. LAs will co-lead learning forums outside of class in teams of two or more. The typical weekly workload is around 3-4 hours, including instructor contact time, material review, and student contact time for learning forums. LAs are expected to facilitate learning forums during the week and approximately every other Sunday. Additional time spent reviewing materials beyond the allotted hour is unpaid. LAs must enroll in a 1-credit upper division elective class each semester (NRS 491: Peer Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education), which focuses on program coordination, teaching skills development, and program evaluation. A mandatory, paid 4-hour orientation and teaching workshop will be held the week before the academic year begins in August. The role prioritizes the LA's academic progression, and job schedules may be adjusted accordingly.

Requirements

Successful completion of NRS 325 and 326 with an overall grade of B+ or better (88% or better based on SONHI grading scale) or demonstration of consistent improvement over time.
Satisfactory progress toward a degree.
Comfortable explaining concepts covered in the courses they will be supporting.
Must enroll in a 1-credit upper division elective class each semester (currently designated NRS 491: Peer Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education).
Attend a mandatory, paid 4-hour orientation and teaching workshop before school starts in August.

Nice To Haves

An established relationship with 325/326 instructor(s) (from previous enrollment or other activities).
A strong recommendation from an instructor of NRS 325 or 326.
Students with Federal Work Study in Financial Aid Package.
Students with Green Dot Certification.

Responsibilities

Support student learning in selected lecture courses (NRS 325 and NRS 326).
Plan, coordinate, and deliver weekly learning forums to support lecture content.
Assist instructors with in-class work as schedules permit.
Explain concepts covered in the supported courses.
Collaborate with other student LAs and a specific instructor.
Work with a mentoring instructor to learn class material, explore teaching strategies, and provide in-class instructional support.
Co-lead outside-of-class learning forums with other LAs in teams of two or more.
Facilitate learning forums during the week and approximately every other Sunday.
Enroll in a 1-credit upper division elective class each semester (NRS 491).