What’s an Instructional Support Specialist?
I’m not sure, but here’s how I became one.
Ross A. Lazear
AMS Career Fair - 4 April 2011
It all started when…
• Weather-obsessed kid growing up in Minnesota
• Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science at the
University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI
It all started when…
• Summer before senior year:
– Began research project with synoptic professor
Michael Morgan
My extremely messy research lab
Graduate School
• Master of Science degree at Wisconsin (RA)
– Advisor: Michael C. Morgan
– Continued research from undergrad, as well as additional
projects, several conferences
• Fourth semester (out of five):
– TA’ed AOS 101: Weather and Climate
– Fell in love with teaching!
….but chose to finish graduate studies with a M.S. (for the time being)
– How can I teach without a Ph.D.?
Applying for Jobs
• Used many job sites:
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Univ. Oklahoma, Penn. State job boards
National Weather Association
AMS
USA Jobs
Indeed.com
• September 2007: Found Instructor
position at Albany!
• January 2008: Interviewed
• March 2008: Offered
• May 2008: Moved!
How Did I Get the Job?
• Teaching experience in graduate school
• Research in a strong synoptic group
• Forecasting experience and ability in the
WxChallenge
How Can You Teach in Atmospheric Science?
• Jobs like mine are relatively rare…
– Instructor positions at various Atmos. Sci. programs
– Most college-level teaching and/or research jobs require
a Ph.D.
– I can thank Mike Landin for “creating” my position!
• Becoming a professor requires:
– Ph.D., and typically a 1-2 yr. Post-doc if research Univ.
– Strong research (and publication) background