Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

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

What is a Teaching Assistant, Postsecondary?

Postsecondary Teaching Assistants are graduate or advanced undergraduate students who assist professors and instructors in the delivery of educational content in colleges and universities. Their primary role is to support the educational process by facilitating student learning through various forms of interactions, which may include leading discussions, conducting laboratory sessions, grading assignments, and providing individualized assistance to students. They often serve as a bridge between the students and the faculty, helping to create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Teaching Assistants may also participate in curriculum development, research projects, and academic advising, depending on their specific program and institutional requirements. They play a vital role in enhancing the overall academic experience by fostering a positive learning atmosphere and encouraging student participation and success.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Teach undergraduate-level courses.
  • Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
  • Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
  • Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
  • Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.

Technology Skills

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.

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.

  • Instructing

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Learning Strategies

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

Abilities

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Written Comprehension

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Speech Clarity

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Written Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Bachelor's degree
    57 %
  • Master's degree
    37 %
  • Doctoral degree
    4 %

Work 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.

  • Working 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Evaluate student work.
  • Guide class discussions.
  • Supervise laboratory work.
  • Create technology-based learning materials.
  • Develop instructional materials.

Work Interests

  • Social

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$29540.0 - $73450.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.