Dear Search Committee,
Enclosed please find my vita submitted in application for the position of assistant professor. Regarding the requirements described in the announcement, please consider my qualifications:
Since August 1996 I have been an assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Oklahoma. During this time at OU, I have taught a variety of calculus courses, including large lectures (150 students) and smaller sections (40 students). I preferred to use collaborative learning as much as possible -- using small group work both in- and out-of-class, with the intention of inducing an academic community. When it was necessary to lecture, I did so interactively and included in-class student activities and out-of-class small group assignments (even in the large lectures). In addition to using graphing calculators, the World Wide Web, and listservs in my calculus classes (when appropriate, of course), I worked on a project to integrate Mathematica with the multivariable calculus course. Also as part of my teaching duties, I taught a course for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers (involving in-service teachers as much as possible) and I designed a one-semester course for new graduate teaching assistants.
During the academic year, 1995-1996, I was involved with the Merit Workshop Program for Calculus at UIUC as both instructor and assistant to the director. The program, based on Treisman's Emerging Scholars Programs, supports sections of first, second, and third semester calculus for students from underrepresented populations who intend to major in mathematics, science, or engineering. Worksheets that consist of difficult problems and other instructional activities drive active learning and student collaboration. In addition, the second semester course utilizes Calculus & Mathematica notebooks. Ultimately the goal of the program is to build a student community that will act as a support network to minimize feelings of discouragement and isolation in mathematics and science courses. I am committed to the program objectives and philosophies, and I hope to pursue access and inclusion issues further as my career advances.
As a graduate teaching assistant in the UIUC Department of Mathematics, I taught courses for the Summer Bridge and Transition Program through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (an academic support program that serves students -- mostly minority -- who are admitted "at-risk" to the university from inner-city Chicago and rural high schools). Despite my rank of teaching assistant, I was entrusted with the care of the mathematics component of the Transition Program and was given the authority to make administrative decisions. Guided by my commitment to active learning and the successful models of other programs, I worked with the department faculty and program staff to (a) restructure the mathematics component of the Transition Program, (b) develop a standard curriculum for the Summer Bridge mathematics classes, and (c) construct instructional materials for both Summer Bridge and Transition mathematics courses (e.g., worksheets that consist of challenging, non-routine problems; group activities; and collaborative quizzes and assignments). Department faculty, program staff, and students found me approachable, responsive, and resourceful .
As an academic professional with the Office of Instructional Resources, at UIUC I was responsible for activities ranging from small workshops to the All-Campus Teaching Assistants' Orientation (600 TAs). I further cultivated my administrative skills and advanced my ability to develop and maintain programs. Moreover, I was a consultant to faculty and teaching assistants from a wide variety of disciplines, and enhanced my own teaching effectiveness.
My most valued accomplishments have been those that made the study of mathematics attractive and inclusive, and those that added to the quality of education that students received from their instructors and in their courses.
Below I have provided the names and contact information for five references; their letters will follow separately. I appreciate your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Teri J. Murphy