Postsecondary Teaching Assistants

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Also known as:
Graduate Assistant, Graduate Fellow, Graduate Research Assistant, Graduate Student, Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Research Assistant (RA), Teaching Assistant (TA), Teaching Fellow

See all Education and Training Careers.

ABOUT POSTSECONDARY TEACHING ASSISTANT CAREERS

Video transcript

Graduate teaching assistants, or TAs, are graduate students who teach introductory and intermediate level college courses in universities. TAs develop course materials, lead student discussions or laboratory work, and grade papers and tests for undergraduate, or bachelor's level, courses. For large classes taught by a faculty member, TAs assist faculty members with materials and equipment during class, and in conducting their research. They also provide feedback to students and, for very large classes, act as a bridge between the professor teaching it, and the students enrolled. Graduate teaching assistants hold office hours for answering students' questions, and offer extra help or tutoring outside of class. Graduate teaching assistants must be enrolled in a graduate school program, and have at least a bachelor's degree in the field they teach. Typically, they have completed a portion of the coursework required for a doctoral program.

SNAPSHOT

Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	LOW
Level of responsibilities	LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	LOW
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	HIGH
Communication with others	HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Order or obtain materials needed for classes.

Notify instructors of errors or problems with assignments.

Teach undergraduate-level courses.

Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.

Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.

Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.

Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.

Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.

Copy and distribute classroom materials.

Prepare or proctor examinations.

Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Communications and Media	Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

TOP SKILLS

Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.