The Math Fellow Program was launched in the Fall of 2015 with an inaugural group of Fellows to help support students in Calculus courses. The program has since expanded to include Mathematical Reasoning and Proof, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Analysis, and some Math/Stat electives. Here are some key features of the program:

  • Each Fellow is attached to a specific course and consults frequently with the instructor.
  • Fellows hold weekly office hours, usually in the evening, and sometimes spend time in the classroom helping with worksheets or computer labs. Fellows sometimes conduct review sessions or proof workshops in addition to their usual office hours.
  • Fellows meet regularly as a group throughout the semester to deepen their knowledge about office hours and get a better sense of the issues involved in effective tutoring.
  • The diversity of our student body has consequences for how students interact with classes and instructors. Math Fellows engage in readings and discussions to explore issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism. 

Being a Math Fellow is a great way to help other students and deepen one’s own knowledge of the material covered in the course. The Math Fellow program offers students a different way to interact with faculty and students and is an important part of the mathematical community of the Department. 

Additional Details for Applicants

Math Fellows are undergraduate teaching assistants attached to specific mathematics courses, including MATH 105, 106, 111, 111i, 121, 211, 220, 250, 260, 271, 272, 350, 355, 360, and 370. Math Fellows get paid hourly and work for approximately 3-5 hours per week for 13 weeks each semester.

The Mathematics & Statistics Department works together as a whole to select Math Fellows from a competitive applicant pool. Requirements for the position are excellent interpersonal skills, a sincere desire to help students, a solid knowledge of the material covered in the course, and a commitment to attend Math Fellow meetings and maintain regular contact with the course instructor. A major in mathematics is not required.

The Department is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its student employees, faculty, and staff. Students from underrepresented groups, women, students of color, first-generation and/or low-income students, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities of Math Fellows:

Most Math Fellows hold office hours for 3 hours per week, typically holding drop-in sessions on two evenings each week. Math Fellows work with their course’s instructor to decide on which evenings to hold their office hours and maintain regular contact with the instructor throughout the semester. Math Fellows may also hold occasional extra sessions (e.g., a review session for an exam) and sometimes attend class (e.g., to help answer questions in a worksheet session). Math Fellows are required to meet as a group every 2-4 weeks throughout the semester for training on how to hold effective office hours and issues that affect how students learn. Please see below for additional responsibilities of Math Fellows for some courses.

Additional Duties for Math 105, 106, and 111i:

In addition to holding evening office hours, Math 105, 106, and 111i Fellows attend an in-class worksheet session once per week (1.5 hours each) and may also assist in grading worksheets (approximately 1 hour per week). These Fellows must be able to attend class on the worksheet day.

Additional Duties for Math/Stat 360 and 370:

In addition to holding evening office hours, Math 360 and 370 Fellows may attend occasional in-class computing activity sessions during the semester (1.5 hours each). In this case, these Fellows must be able to attend class on at least one of the scheduled class meetings.

Requirements for the position:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • A sincere desire to help students
  • Patience and willingness to work with students coming from a wide range of mathematical backgrounds and having a variety of learning needs
  • Investment in creating an inclusive and supportive learning climate
  • A commitment to developing your teaching abilities
  • Responsibility in reading and responding to emails, being on time, and attending scheduled meetings
  • A solid knowledge (not necessarily total mastery) of the material covered in the course

Experience as a Math Grader, Peer Tutor, TA, or Math Fellow helps you develop and demonstrate the qualities listed above and gain insights about how students learn. Consequently, previous experience in one or more of these positions is considered a plus, but is not required to apply.

Applications consist of a resume, a transcript, a paragraph of interest, and the names of 1-2 math faculty who can serve as references. Applications will be accepted online during the application period. Please email Allison Tanguay (atanguay@amherst.edu) for more information or with questions.