Graduate Teaching Assistants :: Job Description

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Graduate Teaching Assistants

Careers / Graduate Teaching Assistants

Summary Description


	Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing teaching or teaching-related duties, such as teaching lower level courses, developing teaching materials, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers. Graduate teaching assistants must be enrolled in a graduate school program. Graduate assistants who primarily perform non-teaching duties, such as research, should be reported in the occupational category related to the work performed.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Exam Proctor

2.	Faculty Research Assistant

3.	Graduate Assistant

4.	Graduate Fellow

5.	Graduate Research Assistant

6.	Graduate Student Instructor (GSI)

7.	Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

8.	Instructor

9.	Proctor

10.	Research Assistant (RA)

11.	Teaching Assistant (TA)

12.	Teaching Fellow

Job Tasks

	Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections. Guide class discussions. Supervise laboratory work.

	Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules. Supervise school or student activities. Teach others to use technology or equipment.

	Teach undergraduate level courses.

	Complete laboratory projects prior to assigning them to students so that any needed modifications can be made.

	Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers and record grades. Evaluate student work.

	Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites. Create technology-based learning materials. Develop instructional materials.

	Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines. Distribute instructional or library materials.

	Provide assistance to faculty members or staff with laboratory or field research. Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.

	Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students. Schedule instructional activities.

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

	Arrange for supervisors to conduct teaching observations; meet with supervisors to receive feedback about teaching performance. Evaluate performance of educational staff.

	Prepare or proctor examinations. Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress. Prepare tests.

	Notify instructors of errors or problems with assignments. Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.

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

	Copy and distribute classroom materials. Distribute instructional or library materials.

	Attend lectures given by the instructor whom they are assisting. Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

	Order or obtain materials needed for classes. Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

	Provide instructors with assistance in the use of audiovisual equipment. Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.

	Assist faculty members or staff with student conferences. Assist other educational professionals with projects or research.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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

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

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

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

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

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

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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