Graduate College A to Z index
Do you need to download
Acrobat Reader or
MS Word Reader?
Click here to get MS Word Reader
(if you do not have MS Word)
Click here to get MS Excel Reader
(if you do not have MS Excel)
(if you do not have MS Powerpoint)
Part 3: Teaching Assistants/Associates (TAs)
Home >> Current Students >> TAs/RAs >> TA/RA Handbook >> Part 3: Teaching Assistants/Associates (TAs)
|
| A. | Teaching Assistant A graduate teaching assistant is a graduate student appointed part-time by the university whose primary responsibility is in an instructional capacity. Graduate teaching assistants may lecture, lead discussion groups, serve as an assistant to laboratory classes, tutor students, proctor examinations, grade tests and papers, and provide general assistance in the instructional process under the direct supervision of a faculty member. |
| B. | Teaching Associate A graduate teaching associate is a graduate student appointed part-time by the university under the direct supervision of a faculty member whose primary responsibility is in an instructional capacity and who holds a master's degree or its equivalent. The roles of the teaching associate are similar to those of the teaching assistant, but may differ in terms of responsibilities (e.g., course level). Students who have completed a master's degree or its equivalent (30 hours of graduate work) may be considered for a teaching associateship. |
| C. | Criteria for Appointment Initial selection of a TA by the academic unit is based on an evaluation of a student's academic credentials and potential for sustained achievement in the field of graduate study and a high standard of performance in teaching. |
| D. | Additional Terms of Appointment for TAs In addition to the terms outlined in Part 1A, TAs must receive the following information in their offer letter:
|
| E. | Language Proficiency for International Teaching Assistants/Associates (ITAs) All international teaching assistants/associates (ITAs) whose primary language is not English must be certified in their English language abilities. This certification is administered by the American English and Culture Program (AECP) and is based on a passing score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). International students whose primary language is not English will not be permitted to serve as TAs unless they have AECP certification. Prospective ITAs must achieve a score of 55 or higher to assume full teaching responsibilities such as serving as the instructor of a class or leading discussion groups. Students who score 50 will be certified with qualifications and may serve as lab assistants or tutors. Students scoring below 50 will not be given any teaching responsibilities unless they are certified through the ITA seminar. Test scores will be provided to the head of the academic unit and the deans of the academic college and the Graduate College. More information on this requirement is available from the International Teaching Assistant Program: (480) 965-2161 or www.asu.edu/xed/aecp/ITAinfo. |
| F. | Required TA Orientation Besides their departmental training sessions, all new TAs are required by the university and the Arizona Board of Regents to attend the New TA Orientation conducted by the Graduate College. Additional professional development forums are held during the academic year, and TAs are encouraged to participate (graduate.asu.edu/prodev). Students who fail to attend this orientation may be ineligible for reappointment. |