Student Assistant - Department of Elementary and Special Education - Research Assistant

Student Assistant - Department of Elementary and Special Education - Research Assistant (Spring 2026)

Statesboro, Georgia

Temporary

Part-Time

Job

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.

With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands‑on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student‑centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best‑In‑State Employers" for 2025.

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Elementary and Special Education

The Student Assistant will support the Department of Elementary and Special Education as a Research Assistant on the Statesboro Campus beginning Spring 2026. Dr. Montana Smithey (Elementary Mathematics Education) is hiring an undergraduate research assistant to support an ongoing qualitative research project focused on how preservice teachers make instructional decisions in mathematics classrooms in their work with children. This position offers hands‑on experience with education research, data analysis, and communicating findings with the broader field of education.

The assistant will receive training in qualitative coding methods and work closely with Dr. Smithey through weekly collaborative meetings and independent project work. Prior research experience is not required. Mentorship, training, and ongoing support will be provided throughout the semester. This position includes working weekly on tasks associated with a research project and will include weekly in‑person or virtual collaborative research meetings.

This position offers flexible independent work hours outside of meetings (approximately 3 hours with Dr. Smithey, 10 hours of independent work to complete tasks). This position does require some time on campus to access research data.

Student employees cannot work more than 1300 hours in a 12‑consecutive month period.

• Completes required research ethics training (CITI certification) and participates in weekly collaborative research meetings
• Assists with coding and organizing interview transcripts and supports ongoing data analysis
• Conducts literature searches related to teaching and teacher education and helps organize research materials and project documents
• Contributes to the development of conference proposals and other products

• Up to 13 hours per week
• Flexible with schedule of availability

• Must be enrolled in six or more undergraduate credit hours or three or more graduate credit hours at Georgia Southern University.

$15.00 per hour

This is a non-exempt position paid on a biweekly basis.

• Resume
• Schedule of Availability