Teaching Assistantships and Professional Development

This is a two-year program for those who would like to pursue a teaching career. 

During the first year Wertime Scholars work in the Writing Center, gaining experience working with students one-on-one. This work is paid hourly, and requires four to six hours per week.

In the second year of the program, Wertime Scholars serve as a teaching assistant in a composition, creative writing, or literature class. They will work closely with an Arcadia instructor to learn about the preparation and execution of a class. This work is paid by stipend, $1000 per semester.

This program is competitive amongst accepted MFA students, which means that you must apply before the MFA priority deadline (March 1st), and then if you’re accepted to the MFA or Dual program you can apply to be a Wertime Scholar.

This program requires a two-year commitment from the applicant. Those who are chosen to be a part of this program will have to live close enough to Arcadia’s Glenside campus that they can work there in person.

There are three Wertime Scholar positions available for each incoming class.

The role of Graduate Assistant in Marketing and Communications is a September to May commitment (one academic year), working with the Marketing and Communication department and developing relevant skills. This role can be remote, depending on your areas of interest: Marketing, Communications, Brand Experience (Events) or Creative Services (graphics).

This program is competitive amongst accepted MFA students, which means that you must apply before the MFA priority deadline (March 1st), and then if you’re accepted to the MFA or Dual program you can apply to be a Graduate Assistant in Marketing and Communications. 

There is one position of Graduate Assistant in Marketing and Communications available each year.

The Graduate Assistant in Marketing and Communications is paid at an hourly rate, and works about ten hours per week.

Note that students may not simultaneously hold a Wertime Scholar position and the position of  Graduate Assistant in Marketing and Communications.

The role of Graduate Assistant in The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP) is a September to May commitment, working with the Director in the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. Students in this role will put their critical reading, researching, and editing skills to work by aiding the OSRP staff, and in the process gain valuable professional experience by learning how grants and sponsored research works. The GA will:

This role can be remote or hybrid.

This program is competitive amongst accepted MFA students, which means that you must apply before the MFA priority deadline (March 1st), and then if you’re accepted to the MFA or Dual program you can apply to be a Graduate Assistant in OSRP.

There is one position of Graduate Assistant in OSRP available each year.

The Graduate Assistant in OSRP is paid at an hourly rate, and works about ten hours per week.

Note that students may not simultaneously hold the role of Graduate Assistant in OSRP along with either a Wertime Scholar position or the GAship in Marketing and Communications.

Students may apply to be graduate assistants (GAs) on a semester-by-semester basis. GAs work in many departments around the university, including academic departments, and students can try to find one that suits their interest. GAs are paid at an hourly rate, and the number of hours worked per week depends on the position one holds—this can vary from department to department.

Marathon is the literary journal run by MFA and Dual MFA/MA students. Students do all of the reading, editing, marketing, and communication with authors. Working with Marathon allows students to better understand the publication process, develop editorial skills that can be put to use after graduation, and help put together a tangible product that can be part of a professional portfolio.

Working with Marathon is an unpaid position.

For students who want to explore a teaching career, we offer opportunities to get experience working in classes under the supervision of faculty members. Students may be guest instructors in a class for a week, lead seminars, and provide supplemental feedback on writing. The commitment does not have to be very long, and we can work with students as much as possible to get the specific kind of experience they need.

Guest instructors and seminar leaders are unpaid opportunities, but good resume builders for those who want to get into the teaching profession.