Administrative Structure of the Spanish 100-level

Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures

University of Delaware

Spring 2003

-(Last Update: May 14, 2003)-

 

The 100-level in Spanish at the University of Delaware involves the team teaching of multiple sections of three introductory courses: SPAN105, SPAN106, and SPAN107.  The content and general approach used in all courses is centrally managed by an administrative team led by the Sequence Supervisor.  The Sequence Supervisor, along with the Chair of the Department, appoints Course Coordinators, a WebCT Coordinator, and a TA Observer from among 100-level faculty to assist the Sequence Supervisor with these functions.  These appointments are made for a period of two-years, and may be renewable. 

 

 

Sequence Supervisor for Spanish

Job Description

 

The Sequence Supervisor is responsible for:

 

1.      Providing Pedagogical direction to the 100-level program

2.      Maintaining the 100-level program up-to-date on all methodological, administrative and technical matters

3.      Deciding on all curricular matters pertaining to 100-level courses

4.      Advising the Department Chair on personnel and administrative matters pertaining to the operation of the 100-level

5.      Recommending the appointment of Course Coordinators, a WebCT Coordinator, and a TA Observer to the Department Chair

6.      Advising the Scheduling Coordinator on 100-level teaching assignments

7.      Selecting textbooks and other ancillary materials for the 100-level program

8.      Placing book orders for all 100-level courses

9.      Supervising the design and administration of course materials (including WebCT and other on-line course components) for the 100-level

10.  Evaluating the efficacy of the methods and materials used in the 100-level program

11.  Advising Course Coordinators and 100-level faculty on pedagogical and administrative matters

12.  Participating in the design and delivery of pre-service training for Teaching Assistants

13.  Coordinating the orientation, training, supervision, and professional development of new and continuing faculty at the 100-level

14.  Overseeing the classroom observation and counseling of Teaching Assistants

15.  Reporting on TA performance to the Chair of Graduate Studies

16.  Selecting TAs for the “Outstanding Spanish TA Award”

17.  Conducting annual performance appraisals for S-Contract faculty

18.  Communicating with the Department Chair about the performance of all 100-level faculty based on personal observations and reports provided by Course Coordinators

19.  Facilitating conflict resolution among 100-level faculty

20.  Reporting to the Spanish faculty on 100-level developments

 

 

 

Course Coordinator

Job Description

 

 

I.                    Materials design and management

 

A.     Course coordinators are responsible for creating the following materials for fall and spring semesters:

 

For instructors and teaching assistants:

- Course guide, daily calendar, assignment information handouts, and grading guidelines and forms 

For students:

- Course policies, daily calendar, quizzes, and exams

Online resources:

- Maintenance of course site on WebCT, selection and/or maintenance of “Country Profiles” links, maintenance of course Web pages not found on WebCT

Secure web site:

- Uploading of exam drafts and assignments

 

B.     Course coordinators are responsible for distributing all ancillary materials to the instructors assigned to the course. 

 

Note: Course coordinators are also responsible for providing syllabi and final exams for instructors teaching summer and winter session courses

 

II.                  Faculty management

 

Course coordinators are responsible for:

 

A.     Preparing administrative forms and handouts for faculty, including a master list of potential substitutes to be used by faculty in case of emergency

B.     Enlisting assistance from 100-level faculty for the creation and editing of course materials

C.     Conducting orientation and end-of-semester meetings for all faculty assigned to the course

D.     Conducting a New TA Orientation session as part of the summer training program for new graduate teaching assistants

E.      Conducting scheduled workshops for TAs on topics related to specific course components

F.      Assisting the Sequence Supervisor in conflict resolution

 

 

III.                Assistance with program supervision

 

Course coordinators are also responsible for:

 

A.     Advising the Supervisor on issues pertaining to the 100-level sequence

B.     Meeting with each other to discuss and exchange ideas about the program

C.     Communicating with the Sequence Supervisor regarding faculty attendance at meetings and overall contributions to the course

 

 

WebCT Coordinator

Job Description

 

The WebCT Coordinator is responsible for:

 

  1. Assisting the Supervisor with the design of WebCT courses
  2. Communicating with User Services regarding all matters pertaining to the creation and maintenance of WebCT courses
  3. Conducting training workshops for faculty on the use of WebCT
  4. Assisting the faculty with the use of this online course management platform
  5. Creating and distributing handouts and materials necessary for instructors to use WebCT
  6. Maintaining the WebCT gradebooks for all courses
  7. Making any necessary changes to individual WebCT pages after the start of the semester for the Course Coordinators or the 100-level instructors. 

 

 

TA Observer

Job Description

 

The TA Observer is responsible for:

 

  1. Assisting the Sequence Supervisor in the management and training of Teaching Assistants
  2. Conducting classroom observations of new and continuing TAs
  3. Providing written and oral feedback to TAs on their teaching performance based on the FLLT TA Evaluation Form
  4. Assisting the Sequence Supervisor with the selection of candidates for the “Outstanding Spanish TA Award”
  5. Counseling TAs on matters pertaining to their teaching assignment at the University of Delaware
  6. Communicating to Sequence Supervisor on the teaching performance of TAs

 

 

100-level Instructors of Spanish

Job Description

 

 

100-level instructors are responsible for:

 

  1. Promoting the academic goals of the Department
  2. Adhering to all Departmental policies and procedures
  3. Teaching all scheduled classes
  4. Attending all scheduled course meetings and workshops
  5. Responding promptly to requests for input, information, and/or feedback
  6. Alerting Course Coordinators and the Sequence Supervisor about any problems detected in the operation of the 100-level courses
  7. Communicating regularly with team partners
  8. Assisting the Course Coordinators with the creation and editing of course materials
  9. Reviewing/Revising handouts prepared by team partners who are Teaching Assistants
  10. Maintaining their WebCT gradebooks on a regular basis
  11. Finding substitutes in case of absence and forwarding this information to the Department Chair
  12. Addressing all student questions pertaining to grades or attendance

 

Teaching Assistants share course responsibilities with other instructors. For administrative purposes, TAs are considered apprentice teachers requiring special support and supervision. 

 

In addition to the aforementioned duties, TAs are also responsible for:

 

  1. Submitting handouts, reviews, culture questions, Country Profile questions to their team teacher for approval and/or review
  2. Meeting with team teacher as requested to review assignments, grades, etc.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

Decision Making Process

 

-          All curricular decisions affecting the structure or organization of 100-level courses are the direct responsibility of the Sequence Supervisor. 

-          Other issues (such as authorizing make up examinations) will be handled directly by the Course Coordinators. 

-          Questions related to grades or attendance are the responsibility of each instructor.  Instructors are welcome to seek the advice of Course Coordinators or the Sequence Supervisor as needed.

 

Meetings and workshops

 

-          Course coordinators organize two mandatory meetings every semester (one prior to the beginning of the term for general orientation, and one at the end for overall evaluation and feedback).

-          In addition to these general meetings, coordinators offer workshops on grading and other course management topics.  These workshops are mandatory for TAs, new faculty, and highly recommended for experienced faculty who have not recently taught the course.

-          If necessary, course coordinators may call additional meetings during the semester.  These occasional general meetings will be considered mandatory.

 

E-mail communications

 

-          Outside of meetings and workshops, all course management communication among the 100-level faculty will be conducted via e-mail.

-          Instructors are expected to check their e-mail on a regular basis for important course updates and announcements.

-          Proper e-mail etiquette is expected.

 

Absences from Classes

 

-          Instructors must arrange for substitutes in advance and to contact them when necessary. 

-          It is the responsibility of each instructor to find substitutes; do not expect the office staff to do this for you.

-          All regular faculty members, all S-contract faculty members, and all graduate students teaching for the Department are expected to meet all their classes at the assigned time and place.

-          Unauthorized absences are not acceptable under any circumstances. 

-          It is not acceptable professional behavior to exchange or swap class assignments in order to have a long weekend, go shopping, or otherwise engage in personal or business activities.

 

There are some circumstances under which absences may be authorized.  These include such situations as:

 

a.  Authorized travel to a professional meeting.
b.  Personal or family illness.
c.  Breakdown of the car.
d.  Family or other emergency.

 

In cases of anticipated absences, requests should be directed to the Chair of the Department in advance and in writing, indicating how the instructor intends to meet his/her responsibilities.