Policy on Teaching-Only Roles
1. Introduction
In order to support its mission in research-led Teaching, the University is committed to the delivery of the highest possible quality of Teaching to enhance the student learning experience and so ensure high student achievement, employability and satisfaction.
To ensure the continuation of a vibrant and dynamic research led Teaching culture, all academic staff at every level are required to undertake University Teaching, and the majority of UG and PG Teaching will be developed and provided by academic staff.
There are a number of areas where additional expert provision will be required. Examples include:-
- provision of additional professional expertise and applied Teaching (e.g. in the Legal Practice Course) to enhance graduate employability
- provision of additional language support in different circumstances (e.g. for non-language students on dual degree programmes, or language modules, or for students whose first language is not English)
- provision of other specialist teaching (e.g. science teaching for medical students).
The University places great importance on quality in all its activities. This policy has been developed to ensure high quality Teaching. It will also provide for career progression for those involved in University Teaching in recognition of achievements in innovative contribution at both University and national level, as evidenced both through peer review, demonstrable achievements and increased responsibilities.
2. Approval for Teaching-only Posts
Heads of Departments may seek to appoint to Teaching-only posts where they can demonstrate the need for additional expertise and support, and where this will clearly improve and enhance teaching quality and the student experience. Such approval will be given through the academic planning mechanism.
3. Grade
The grade of the post will be assessed through agreed procedures. The following are guides to the different levels:
- University Demonstrator/Teaching Assistant
- University Tutor/University Teaching Associate
- University Teacher
- Senior University Teacher
- Professor
Existing titles may continue to be used. For new appointments, Heads of Departments may seek approval from the Department of Human Resources if they wish to use alternative titles.
Progression will be on the basis of both peer review and job size, through agreed University procedures. When staff progress to the next grade, a revised job description will reflect the increase in responsibilities.
4. Duties
Duties should be in line with the University needs, and commensurate with the relevant grade. These may include inter alia: preparation and delivery of Teaching; student assessment; student support; admissions; innovation; development of e-learning; curriculum development; development of new modules/programmes; running/attending open days; professional updating and in the senior grades, dissemination of innovation and best practice.
Staff on Teaching-only contracts are not contracted to conduct Research, nor are they required to be RAE returnable.
5. Hours and Contract Type
Contracts may be offered on a variety of terms including a full time fractional basis or open ended/fixed term, based on a notional minimum 35 hour week. Hours should be averaged out over the relevant academic session and should take account of all duties.
5.1 Weekly time commitment
Heads of Department should ensure that teaching-only staff are contributing fully in line with their contracted time, e.g. staff contracted on a full time basis will have teaching and related duties for 35 hours over five days per week.
5.2 Number of contracted weeks per annum
Where appropriate, contracts will cover the teaching semesters only, with pro rata holidays in addition (6 weeks plus Bank Holidays per annum for 52 week contracts). In those cases where there are clear teaching-related requirements, contracts that extend throughout some or all of the University vacations may be offered, with the appropriate holiday entitlement.
6. Terms and Conditions of Service
Salary/payment will be on the basis of grade, and paid monthly in arrears. Where requested, payments/salary may be paid over 12 months.
Contributory pension will be offered in line with agreed University policy for the grade.
Holidays will be paid on the basis of 6 weeks per annum or pro rata. Holidays will normally be taken in the University vacations: holidays may only be taken exceptionally during University semesters with prior agreement.
In exceptional cases, market supplements may be paid where necessary in line with agreed University policy.
All other terms will be in line with agreed University policy.
7. Induction and Support
A structured induction programme will be offered to all University Teaching staff. All Teaching staff will be required to follow agreed training programmes as relevant to their needs. A Working Group is being established to take this forward.
All Teaching staff will have an annual review meeting with their manager.
8. Exemplar Teaching-only career pathways
The information below is to provide guidance on the types of Teaching-only roles and progression opportunities.
Grade will be determined by job size. Progression to the Senior University Teacher level will also require peer review. Appointment at Senior University Teacher level will require Direct Appointment Group approval.
All University promotion procedures will be reviewed as part of the introduction of the new University of Sheffield grading scheme.
8.1 University Demonstrator/ Teaching Assistant
Postgraduate level
Responsibilities will include:
- Provision of lab assistance for students
- Assistance with student assessment
- Taking tutorials
- Delivery of language and other specialist Teaching
8.2 University Tutor/Associate University Teacher
Postgraduate level
Responsibilities will include:
- Development and delivery of Teaching modules and sessions
- Student support and assessment
- Relevant administrative responsibilities
- Keeping abreast of professional developments
8.3 University Teacher
Either postgraduate level with considerable professional level activity or postdoctoral level with considerable Teaching experience at HE level.
Responsibilities will include:
- Development and delivery of Teaching
- Responsibility for course or sets of modules development at UG level, possibly with some PG level duties
- Relevant administrative responsibilities
- Student assessment and support
- Keeping abreast of professional developments
8.4 Senior University Teacher
Normally postdoctoral level (or equivalent level gained through experience) with considerable Teaching experience at HE level, and national profile for innovation.
Responsibilities and achievements will include:
- Development and delivery of Teaching
- Programme and course development at both PG and UG level
- Significant administrative responsibilities at both departmental and University level
- Development of student assessment and support
- Significant national level responsibilities (e.g. membership of major bodies, professional networks)
- Organisation of national conferences
- Responsibility for innovation in subject area and submission of bids for Learning and Teaching development
- Contribution towards development of Teaching standards
- Provision of support, coaching, mentoring and review of other Teaching staff
- Keeping abreast of professional developments
8.5 Professor
This title may be conferred upon those who are able to demonstrate a national/international profile for innovation, publication and enterprise in University Teaching, supplemented by a record of research achievement or highly ranked scholarly publications.
The University would also seek evidence of a range of achievements as indicated by the following examples:
- Successful direction of major management responsibilities at University/sector level (e.g. direction and leadership of major area)
- Significant development of Teaching policy at national level
- Major national and international level responsibilities (e.g. Chairing major bodies)
- Significant responsibility for, and achievement of innovation in specific subject area
- Recognised expertise and dissemination of Teaching developments through publications, networks and conferences
- Development at national level of Teaching standards and mechanisms for evaluating Teaching quality
- Major income generation
- Leadership of professional developments
Duties would reflect the above and would also include direct University teaching and provision of support, coaching, mentoring and review of other Teaching staff
Policy approved by the University Human Resource Management Committee on 18 November 2004 and the University Council on 13 December 2004.