Statistics Teaching Fellow
What is a TF?
  • TFs attend class of the course they are teaching in order to see what is being taught, and give further explanations on any topics which the students find difficult.
  • TFs grade homework for their section during the semester-students typically turn in a problem set each week, and TFs are normally expected to grade the work and get it back to students at the next recitation session.
  • TFs hold office hours each week to furth help students with homework problems
TF main responsibilities Teaching Fellows teach weekly recitation sections, grade homework, hold office hours and attend classes.
Smaller tasks TFs are also expected to be available to help during the semester by doing several other small tasks, such as occasionally writing up homework solution sets, proofreading exams or helping with review sessions before exams, etc..
To the job The TF position is a great job for those people who want to get involved in teaching statistics, and in interacting with students to help them learn. We expect that TFs will meet all the requirements during the semester and not let down the students of their sections. Students in large statistics classes really count on the TFs to help them out. Being a statistics TF is a terrific experience and a valuable addition to your resume.
Pay scale

The job usually takes between 10 to 15 hours per week for the first section, 6-8 hours extra for the second. The compensation is quite good -

Graduate students are paid according to GSAS guidelines, starting around $4,500 for the first section. It also depends on their number of years in graduate school. For Undergraduate students, pay starts at $2500 for the first section and can be more depending on prior teaching experience.

Prerequisites For each statistics class, prerequisite is that the Teaching Fellow have already taken and passed the course either at Harvard or an equivalent course elsewhere. Greatest demand is for statistics 100 class .
How to apply?

    1. Pick up application form available at the Statistics Department seventh floor Science Center OR print the form from the Statistics department web site: Teaching Fellow Application Form

    2. Drop the application off at the Statistics department. A box for applications is located on 7th floor of the Science Center.

The interview At the interview you may be asked to explain problem(s) dealing with basic Statistics concepts relevant to the class you wish to teach. You should also have thought about how you would run your weekly problem session.
Notification Candidates will be notified by e-mail shortly after the interview. Sometimes final decisions may be delayed or changed due to fluctuating enrollment. Those selected will attend Bok center teaching orientation on Sept. 14,15 and a special department training session on Sept.23, 30 at 1-4 pm.
More questions?

If you have any questions about the job, please contact Betsey Cogswell (cogswell@stat.harvard.edu).