Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows (NCTF) Program provides operational, programming, and student‑support within the
James Center for Student Success & Advising (JCSSA). This position supports the Director and Coordinator of Teaching Fellows and contributes to recruitment, retention, professional development, and program administration for Teaching Fellows across the Boone, Hickory, and online campuses.

Department: James Center for Student Success & Advising Reich College of Education | Appalachian State University

This is a full academic year position, working 20 flexible in-person hours per week in the James Center with some evening and weekend event requirements. Pay is $16.50 per hour.

Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Donna Starks, Director of the James Center for Student Success & Advising starksdm@appstate.edu. In your cover letter,
please describe your future professional aspirations and how this position aligns with your goals.

Core Responsibilities

• Student Support, Mentorship & Retention
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for NCTF students, offering proactive outreach, guidance on program expectations, and referrals to academic, wellness, and professional campus resources.
  • Oversee tracking documents, communication logs, meeting scheduling, and feedback collection for the mentor–mentee program.
  • Track student meeting completion, eligibility benchmarks, and participation requirements to support retention across undergraduate teacher education majors.
• Event Planning, Trips & Logistics
  • Plan and implement enrichment programming, workshops, retreats, and special events (including occasional evening/weekend commitments and alumni involvement).
  • Manage space reservations, registration, materials preparation, and physical setup/breakdown.
  • Obtain university van certification to serve as a driver for program travel, assisting with itineraries, reservations, packing lists, and chaperoning duties.
• Recruitment, Marketing & Communications
  • Assist with virtual recruitment sessions, prospective student outreach, applicant data tracking, and yield follow-up for students choosing App State as NCTF applicants.
  • Design flyers, graphics, and social media content; draft newsletters and communication materials for students, alumni, and campus partners.
  • Maintain and update program manuals, websites, online forms, and promotional channels.
• Administrative Operations & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Maintain precise records for the NCTF forgivable loan program, assist with NCSEAA and NCTF State Office documentation, and prepare data summaries for program leadership.
  • Partner closely with James Center initiatives (ACES, Education Peer Ambassadors, Appalachian Educators Club) and other state-funded educator preparation programs.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with school district partners, faculty, alumni, and statewide education stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Enrollment in a graduate program at Appalachian State University.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and take initiative.
• Commitment to supporting pre‑service educators and advancing equity in teacher preparation.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in education, student affairs, or program coordination.
• Familiarity with teacher education programs or advising structures.
• Graphic design or social media management experience.

This position offers experience in program administration, student support, event coordination, recruitment, and educator preparation—ideal for graduate students pursuing careers in higher education or educational leadership.