Teacher Associate Professor (TAP) and Director of Undergraduate Programs Roger Woodard
(center) mentors North Carolina State graduate students.
faculty at a Research I university can rarely afford to consider. For
example, we spend time on large course redesigns; organize con-
ferences; develop teaching materials that are worth sharing and
publishing; take on administrative roles; and go after grants for
REUs, conferences, undergraduate and graduate support, enhanc-
ing diversity, and teaching activities.
I want to note that a TAP is not the same as a TT person doing
research in statistics education. We have recently hired someone in
this type of TT position to begin in January 2009. She will have
the same research, teaching, and service expectations as any other
TT faculty, with her research focused on statistics education. A few
other statistics departments have, or at least have advertised, similar
positions. While some TAPs are active in the national statistics edu-
cation community, there is not a requirement of education research
for reappointment or promotion.
Teacher Associate Professor (TAP) Pam Arroway serves
Why Would Someone Want
as assistant department head and codirector of grad-
uate programs at North Carolina State University.
to Be a TAP?
A TAP is typically someone who is passionate about teaching and
mentoring students and who wants to be in a research-intensive
environment. A TAP position may look similar to a TT position at
a big effect on the profession and in training critical thinkers. A
an institution that places more emphasis on teaching and under-
variety of seminars (Bayesian, bioinformatics, biostatistics, environ-
graduates. However, there are advantages to being in a Research I
mental statistics, statistical genetics, regular departmental seminars,
school and NC State, in particular.
and seminars by a number of interview candidates) and special
There are resources that may not be available at smaller institu-
topics courses in the department and at the nearby Statistical and
tions, such as for travel and professional development. In addition
Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute provide opportunities for
to supporting NC State’s well-established undergraduate program,
continuous professional development.
we have opportunities to mentor graduate students in teaching,
research, or in their graduate careers in one of the oldest, largest,
Why Does the Department
and best graduate programs in the United States. In a large depart-
Want TAPs?
ment, we have a variety of undergraduate and graduate classes to
The existence of TAPs at NC State does not mean TT faculty
teach and are surrounded by colleagues with various expertise.
members are not excellent teachers. In fact, many have received
Opportunities also exist to provide statistical consulting for stu-
university and national teaching awards. TAPs can make valuable
dents and postdoctoral fellows in other departments. We can have
contributions to the long-term goals of the department and the
SEPTEMBER 2008 AMSTAT NEWS 31
SEPTEMBER AMSTAT FINAL.indd 31 8/20/08 2:26:59 PM
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