Teaching Associate Professor Kim Weems (left), David Blackwell, and
Department Head Sastry Pantula
Teaching Associate Professor Kim Weems at the presentation of an
honorary doctorate from North Carolina State to David Blackwell
mission of the university. The creation of TAPs incorporates fac-
ulty members with different interests and skill sets and helps keep
teaching loads for research-active faculty at a level where they can
continue to be successful in their research productivity.
Unlike short-term adjuncts or instructors, TAPs have a vested
interest in the future of the department. So, while it is more of a
commitment than hiring an instructor, the benefit to the depart-
ment tends to be much greater. TAPs have the time for (and even
Teaching Associate Professor
expectation of) improving teaching and curriculum across the
Roger Woodard joined
whole department. NC State TAPs have also taken on administra-
the department in 2003 and
tive and service roles that lessen the non-research workload of TT
currently serves as director of
faculty, make use of the professional strengths of those in TAP
undergraduate programs.
positions, and contribute to the long-term growth of the depart-
ment. TAPs also play an important role in training graduate stu-
dents, especially for academic positions.
And About That Pesky Tenure …
I don’t miss it. Is my position less secure than my colleagues? My
contract has to be renewed every five years. With reappointment,
promotion, and post-tenure review every three to five years, I’m
Teaching Associate Professor
not sure TT faculty members have it any easier. The university,
Kim Weems joined the
which regards us as “special ranks” faculty, has explicitly stated that
department in 2001.
the review process is the same for TAPs as for TT faculty, though
contributions in different realms must obviously be weighted dif-
ferently. Industry isn’t handing out five-year contracts either. Job
security is not a bigger concern for me than for anyone else.
Some professional organizations have been outspoken against
increase in non-TT positions in academia. I agree that non-TT
positions should not increase at the expense of TT positions. They
should be used to complement TT faculty members and support
the mission of the university. Universities must be ethical and
respectful in how non-TT faculty members are treated. A TAP is
Teaching Associate Professor
not a person the department gets to abuse and then dump when
Jeff Thompson joined the
funding gets tight. Neither are TAPs short-term, hired-as-needed
department in 2003.
teachers for low-level courses. In my department, the TAPs are very
much respected by colleagues and the administration. We are not
second-class citizens, and we participate in nearly all activities. For
better or worse, we are expected to contribute as much as TT fac-
ulty, and we do in the realms of our passion and expertise. I love
my job! (Okay, it is pay raise time, and I want my department head
to count this as one of my publications.) ■
32 AMSTAT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2008
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