Instructional Assistants
LaunchCode Instructional Assistants are important and valuable members of a program’s Course Staff. Learner Engagement Specialists and Instructors rely on Instructional Assistants to reinforce the subject knowledge taught in the lecture, teach the application of concepts and skills, and foster a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Instructional Assistants take a very active role in ensuring Learners have high-quality educational and community experiences throughout the course, enabling engagement and retention.
At LaunchCode, Instructional Assistants guide a group of Learners as a principal education and support point of contact throughout the LaunchCode program, while simultaneously refining their professional development goals. The Instructional Assistant leadership experience provides the opportunity to grow not just your technical skills, but also public speaking, presentation, people management, and group facilitation skills.
Position Details:
We are hiring for both temporary full-time and temporary part-time non-exempt Instructional Assistant positions
Part-Time requires approximately 6 - 10 hours per week and pays at a rate of $20/hour for the duration of the course
Full-Time requires approximately 40 hours per week and pays at a rate of $27.50/hour for the duration of the course
Instructional Assistants report to the Vice President of Talent Operations, with a dotted line relationship with Learner Engagement Specialists
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee and Guide Learners (40%)
Attend classes and conduct regularly scheduled office hours
Support and encourage Learners; facilitate and encourage material understanding through:
Study partner/groups
Textbook Review
Studio Review
Learner Interdependency
Brief review of material or concepts and assistance with:
Technical issues
Academic and social resources
Check on each Learner regularly by:
Answering individual questions
Helping an individual through coding problems
Assessing quizzes, exercises, and project submissions
Identifying performance problems and working with them to create pathways for improvement
Monitor Slack Community - flag posts or comments that may violate any aspect of the Code of Conduct, answer questions, and assist Learners in a prompt and timely manner
Meet with Learner Engagement Specialists and other Instructional Assistants to discuss wins, areas for improvement, and to ideate learner success strategies
Classroom Preparation (30%)
Review course content for the upcoming class
Review and refine understanding of key concepts covered in each class
Assess and prepare alternate ways to explain and demonstrate the concepts taught in the course work
Anticipate questions - not only how to create solutions, but the ‘why’ behind an ideal solution
Prepare open-ended questions for Learners that confirm understanding of the course materials
Review the studio assignment
Confer with other TAs, Learner Engagement Specialist, and/or Lead Instructor with questions or concerns
Test access to all necessary materials + technology
Prepare supplemental exercises, practice tools or activities for learners when there is no studio assignment
Additional class planning (classroom tools, engagement, etc.)
Grade assignments
Make sure documentation is up to date
Brainstorm ideas/concerns/questions with other LaunchCode staff
Plan, Anticipate, and Rehearse
Public speaking and delivery
Time management
Q&A
Lead Classroom Studio (20%)
Introduce and discuss Studio Activity
Demonstrate the practical application of the Studio Activity; reinforce concepts
Answer questions and conduct mini lesson/lecture
Direct studio activity
Ask the Learners questions to assess understanding of the material and assignment and confirm understanding
Supplement specific studio assignments with paired activity, as needed
Empower interdependency and proactivity
Encourage participation; ask and answer questions
Develop and implement large and small group learning activities
Empower independent and interdependent learning
Reinforce the Flipped Classroom Model
Administrative Duties (10%)
Documentation
Keep documentation up to date as a continuous, ongoing process
Document all meaningful conversations and changes in the learner success tracker and other cohort documents.
Revised deadline(s)
Resolved issue(s)
New concern(s)
Assignment grading
Verify Learner work and enter grades
Verification of skills through walkthroughs
Give feedback for Graded Assignments and Quizzes
Regularly report to Instructor and LaunchCode staff on Learner progress and enrollment
Report any problematic behaviors (for both course staff and Learners) to the Learner Engagement Specialist
Ensure personal and Learner adherence to LaunchCode Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, and LaunchCode’s Academic Honesty Policy
Qualifications:
Technical proficiency in the program subject matter area and the concepts/ technologies taught in the LaunchCode curriculum as demonstrated by 2+ years of professional experience in a technical setting or graduation from a LaunchCode program
1+ years of teaching, mentoring, training, or related teaching experience
Strong presentation and communication skills; comfortable leading class groups and providing one-on-one teaching assistance
Able to adequately prepare learners for a role in technology by providing coaching in the areas of technical interviews, behavioral interviews, and resume support
If this describes you, you may be perfect for this role:
Excellent leader- and followship skills.
Passion for helping others learn technical skills for entry-level tech careers
Prompt, dependable, and efficient with strong attention to detail
Works well independently
Excels in a fast-paced environment using real-time analysis and problem-solving skills
Detail and data-oriented
Perceptive and patient with the ability to recognize when people need help and guide them in problem-solving and resourcefulness
Business acumen with a casual and professional demeanor
Technical Proficiencies:
Software Development
Core, universal programming concepts in the JavaScript language with a focus on problem-solving
Fundamental front-end web programming concepts
Object-oriented programming in Java
Industry-grade web framework in Spring Boot
Professional skills, including business communication, business acumen, resume review and behavioral and technical interviewing
Knowledge of other back-end or full-stack web programming tools including
React
HTML
CSS
Thymeleaf
C# (for specific cohorts)
Professional experience preferred, but not required
Full-Stack Web Developer
Front-End Web Developer
Back-End Web Developer
Java Developer
App Developer
Software Developer
About LaunchCode:
LaunchCode is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free tech education and job placement opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds. Our mission is to transform the tech industry by introducing diverse talent and reshaping employer hiring practices. We believe in the power of education to open doors and create opportunities in the tech field.
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