A number of classes will have a teaching assistant. The duties of the teaching assistant include:

• Grading papers
• Taking attendance
• Support in the class setup and presentation
• Answering routine questions for students
• Proctoring exams

Typically teaching assistants have taken the class and the teacher they support. Here are some ways you can be selected to be a teaching assistant.

• Ask your teacher if you could be a TA
• Do well in the class to be identified by your teacher as a TA candidate

In most cases TA’s are paid for their support. In some cases, TA’s are given course credit in a special course set up for teaching assistants.

Being a TA can be stressful because you’ll need to keep up with the grading even when your own class requirements are intense. As a TA, you can also become involved in ethical dilemmas when you see cheating occur. TA’s can also be challenged by students on a grade that’s been given.

As you can see being a TA is not just a simple job. It carries with it a lot of responsibility. But being a TA is a great experience and a great way to develop skills for a future academic career if you want to go that career direction..