Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

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  Career Profile

Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary

What they do

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.

Also Called: 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, 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

$29,540
Starting Salary (2023)
$43,750
Median Salary (2023)
4.2%
Projected Job Growth
145,960
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Copy and distribute classroom materials.
Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.
Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Self-Control
Leadership

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Instructing
Learning Strategies
Writing

Expected 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.

Common 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.

More Info

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