# CodePath.org Technical Interview Prep - Teaching Assistant (TA) Role (Fall 2022)

This document provides more context and details around the TA roles available for our CodePath.org upcoming 2022 software engineering fundamentals course series.
:point_right: [Submit your application here](https://apply.codepath.org/cohorts/remote-ta-fall-2022/versions/remoteTA/) to be considered for the role!
**:point_right: [Scroll down](https://hackmd.io/wgN5NfqPQpKDlT9bzBaqTA?view#Application-Interview-Prompt) to view the application interview prompt you must submit as prework.**

## Course Overview
CodePath.org is offering a 10-week intensive interview prep course for university students via a remote classroom. We have designed this course to prepare participants to solve algorithm problems in real interviews at top companies. The course includes lectures, interview practice, support from peers and industry mentors, and info sessions from senior engineers.

Our course is split into three different difficulty levels. Students will complete prework to determine their course level placement.

**Intermediate (SE102)** - This course is taught mainly in Python programming language, but also offers additional support in Java programming language. Students will continue to develop their skills in recognizing common algorithms and core data structures to solve interview problems.
**Advanced (SE103)** - This course is taught mainly in Python programming language, but also offers additional support in Java programming language. Students will practice medium to hard questions from core data structures, to graphs, dynamic programming, and backtracking problems.

## Course Schedule

The TA role is part-time (6-8 hours per week, 10 weeks) and remote. Courses are run via Zoom video classroom with activities done in small breakout rooms.

**Overview**
* Each course will run one section of 300 students
* Sections meet 2 times per week on *Wed 5pm-7pm PT and Sat 10am-12pm PT* (Wed 8pm-10pm ET and Sat 1pm-3pm ET)
* Class will run for 10-weeks of instruction from **Sept 14 - Nov 19, 2022**
* Each Section will be staffed with 8 TAs to help facilitate breakout room sessions.
* TAs must attend **all** class sessions for the full two hours
* TAs will be responsible for managing 7-10 breakout rooms

Each class session includes:
* 30-45 minutes of instructor lecture and/or demonstration
* 45-60 minute interactive session in small breakout groups of 3-6 students
* 30 minutes of instructor-led content review, Q&A, and closing routines

## TA Role Overview

**TA Responsibilities:**
* Circulate during breakout room practice to facilitate conversation, help students with points of confusion, and ensure strong participation from all students.
* Develop strong relationships with program participants to support their growth and development throughout the program.
* Model strong facilitation techniques for volunteer mentors.
* Assist with answering technical questions on Slack.
* Review all session material prior to attending class to ensure strong understanding of the content.
* Lead weekly office hours to support students through their assignments. (select TAs only)
* Assist with the management of other TAs. (select TAs only)

**Time Commitment:**
*Before the course begins*
* Complete CodePath's asyncronous How To Teach At CodePath training module
* Attend 2 hour training session
* Attend 1 hour TA kick-off meeting

*During typical course run week*
* 2 hours of prep work and material review
* 4 hours of in-class session time
* 1 hour hosting Office Hours (select TAs only)
* 1 hour TA sync with Program Manager (select TAs only)
* *NOTE: Your responsibilities and allowed billable hours per week will be described in your contract*

## Application Interview Prompt
All TAs will be required to submit an interview assignment to be considered for the role.

### New SE10x TAs
Please submit a video recording (max 8-10 mins) answering the following questions:

*Part A: Scenario Questions (suggested ~6 mins):*
1. Why are you interested in being a TA with CodePath?
2. If a small group of students all had their videos turned off and were not talking, what would you do to engage the group?
3. If a student asked you a question you didn’t know the answer to, what would you do?
4. What is the most important thing that you want students to get out of taking this course?

*Part B: Sample Teach Demo Question (suggested ~4 mins):*

5. Explain the [UMPIRE method](https://guides.codepath.org/compsci/UMPIRE-Interview-Strategy) to a student who is about to have their first technical interview.

### Returning SE10x TAs (previously TAed specifically for SE10x course)
Please submit either a video recording (max 6 mins) or a written submission (max 250 words per question) answering the following questions:

1. What did you enjoy most about the last SE10x course run you TAed for?
2. What was the most challenging part of TAing SE10x?
3. What is one thing you would change about the SE10x TA role? OR What is one thing you are excited to do differently this time?
4. What is one suggestion you'd give to a new SE10x TA? OR What is one piece of advice you'd give to your new SE10x student pods?

## Context and CodePath.org
Our vision is that every student in college, regardless of background or personal circumstances, should have the opportunity, skills, network, and pathways available to become a confident and successful software engineer in the tech industry. CodePath.org develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and supports students over multiple years, reaching students in college starting before Freshman year and then all the way through to post-graduation and entering full-time software roles.

One of the major barriers to getting internships and full-time positions is navigating the technical interview. We believe that a focused prep class will be impactful in helping a diverse student population succeed in the interview process and getting their first internship or full-time position.