Postsecondary Teaching Assistants
Overview
Teaching assistants help college professors by supporting students in their learning journey through grading assignments, leading study groups, and teaching lab sessions. They create educational materials using digital platforms, tutor struggling students, and often teach their own undergraduate courses. This role requires strong communication skills and typically involves graduate students working toward advanced degrees while gaining valuable teaching experience. TAs collaborate closely with faculty and work in dynamic campus environments that blend in-person and online learning.
Did you know?
Most postsecondary TA positions in the US require enrollment in graduate programs and serve as valuable stepping stones for academic careers or provide teaching experience for various professional paths.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$40,858.57 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Complex Problem Solving
Key Responsibilities
- Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
- Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.
- Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules.
- Prepare or proctor examinations.
- Complete laboratory projects prior to assigning them to students so that any needed modifications can be made.
- Provide assistance to faculty members or staff with laboratory or field research.
- Teach undergraduate-level courses.
- Attend lectures given by the supervising instructor.
- Assist faculty members or staff with student conferences.
- Copy and distribute classroom materials.
- Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
- Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
- Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.
- Provide instructors with assistance in the use of audiovisual equipment.
- Order or obtain materials needed for classes.
- Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.
- Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.
- Notify instructors of errors or problems with assignments.
- Arrange for supervisors to conduct teaching observations and provide feedback about teaching performance.
- Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
Career Considerations
Educational Pathway and Career Development
Most postsecondary TA positions in the US require enrollment in graduate programs and serve as valuable stepping stones for academic careers or provide teaching experience for various professional paths.
Financial Compensation and Benefits
TA positions typically offer modest stipends and may include tuition remission, but overall compensation is generally low compared to other careers requiring similar educational qualifications.
Work-Life Balance Challenges
The role demands balancing teaching responsibilities, grading, and administrative duties with personal graduate studies and research, often resulting in irregular schedules and high workload.