Winter GSI ENVIRON ; Amanda Edmonds

This is a posting for one Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) at 50% FTE.
You will need to have the following pieces of information combined into one document before you begin:

• a cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• a resume or curriculum vita
• copy of the undergraduate and graduate transcript (unofficial is fine)
• teaching history (list course and department)
• any available teaching evaluations

Name the .PDF file as follows:
Last Name.

First Name.

Course Number. For example:
Doe.

John.

Environ
444

Verify your own course schedule against the schedule for the course to which you are applying as a GSI. All GSIs are required to attend the lecture and discussion times as posted. In Winter 2026, the ENVIRON
444 GSI posting had 70 applicants.

• Provide feedback on content and writing quality and grade other student exercises, with instructor oversight
• Meet with students as needed throughout the semester (specific weekly office hours not required)
• Attend all Zoom lectures
• Be the on-the-ground point person to support logistics for two in-person events at the start and end of the semester
• Complete all readings
• Manage student attendance and participation through online polls
• Attend weekly planning meetings with instructors
• Monitor emails from students/instructors and respond in a timely manner
• Upload the recorded lectures to Canvas and the SFSI Youtube Account

• Basic competency in Word and Excel as well as in using Canvas
• Applicants must be in good standing as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. If the Language of instruction at a student's undergraduate institution was not English, he/she must be evaluated by the English Language Institute (ELI) for English proficiency and either pass the GSI-OET or have this test waived by the ELI before gaining eligibility for a GSI appointment in LS&A

• Experience in evaluating and critiquing writing
• Experience in courses about the US and global food system

Concurrent food, energy, water, climate, and biodiversity crises, and a global rise in obesity amidst widespread hunger and under nutrition, have focused public attention on the deficiencies and complexities of the global food system. Yet, a diversity of emerging `alternative' food systems demonstrates their potential to be nutritionally productive and socially and environmentally sound. Transforming food systems will require coordinated efforts across disciplines and scales, drawing upon diverse academic and practical perspectives, and understanding how value systems shape food and agriculture.

Linking theory and practice is essential, involving the full range of actors moving food from farm to fork.

The Food Literacy for All course offers a unique opportunity for students to gain an interdisciplinary introduction to the food system through a weekly lecture series bringing high-profile speakers to campus from policy, academia, and grassroots movements. Designed by the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative (SFSI) as an academic-community partnership, the course is co-led by a UM faculty member from the Program in the Environment, a Community Co-Instructor and local food systems leader (Julius Buzzard, Executive Director of Growing Hope), and the Food Literacy for All Coordinator and former SEAS Master's student (Sami Maldonado), and course support from Associate Professor Lesli Hoey.

Students in the class will develop competencies in food-systems sustainability, including systems thinking, community engagement, creativity, and analytical abilities.

Students will write regular reaction postings in response to the lectures. They will also complete short quizzes and several short essay assignments over the term. These are essays based on the lectures and additional scholarship by the students. The course may have between 180 and 220 students (based on enrollment since 2020). Students will be evaluated based on attendance, participation, and writing assignments.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Instructor:
Amanda Edmonds aedmonds

Job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen…