CUNY Start Writing Assistant

Background

CUNY Start is an intensive pre-matriculation program that helps CUNY associate degree-seeking students increase their academic proficiency in English and mathematics. The CUNY Office of Academic Affairs, the University's community colleges, New York City College of Technology and the College of Staten Island work collaboratively to provide students with an innovative approach to developmental education. CUNY Start is recognized for its carefully designed curriculum and pedagogy, ongoing professional development, and mentor-based training model.

CUNY Start’sEnglish program is offered as part of CUNY Start’sfull-time program or as a standalone English program, known as English Start, during the summer, winter, fall and spring semesters. Students in the CUNY Start English program are provided with specialized instruction and advisement that helps students develop their English skills, prepare for college-level English classes, and meet CUNY proficiency milestone.

Job Description

The CUNY Start Writing Assistant is a part-time College Assistant who will work as a member of the English team, supporting the work of the Core teacher in a CUNY Start classroom. The Writing Assistant reports to the CUNY Start Director at their appointed campus.

CUNY Start may deliver instruction in multiple formats: in-person, online or as hybrid classes that are both online and in-person. Online instruction may be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching that is determined at the discretion of program management. Online work may entail instruction on such platforms as Blackboard, Brightspace, Zoom, and other remote instructional tools that are available and approved by the University and which support the goals and practices of the program.

Responsibilities

Key duties include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Read the CUNY Start EnglishCurriculum closely, and become familiar with CUNY Start learning procedures, assignments, and goals;
• Attend portions of the CUNY Start English class, and support the CUNY StartCore teacher as appropriate;
• Respond in writingto student papers and essays;
• Facilitate and/or support small groups including circulating throughout the class to observe and guide student discussions;
• Tutor CUNY Start students individually and in small groups;
• Participate in CUNY Start team meetings about students’ progress;
• Participate in training activities led by the CUNY Start Professional Development team for English;
• Perform duties assigned by the Core teacher, including taking attendance, trackingstudents’ assignments, and setting up online and in-person classrooms.

Requirements

The preferred candidate will possess the educational and professional qualifications indicated below:

• Experience responding to academic writing and working with non-traditional college students;
• Master’s Degree preferred;
• Ability to assist students and perform duties online.

Employment

• $25.51 per hour for approximately 20 hours a week for 12-15 weeks and/or as funding allows;
• Appointment period: Fall 2026 with potential for continued appointment in Spring 2027
• Bronx Community College or Hostos Community College
• Health benefits may be possible after 3 months of successful employment;
• Successful candidates have the potential for continued employment in spring 2027 pending funding availability and program need.