This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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 Known As:College Biology Teaching Assistant (College Biology TA), Exam Proctor, Faculty Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Graduate Fellow, Graduate Research Assistant, Graduate Student, Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) +9 more
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.
Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.
Prepare or proctor examinations.
Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.
Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.
Order or obtain materials needed for classes.
Copy and distribute classroom materials.
Notify instructors of errors or problems with assignments.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
Complete laboratory projects prior to assigning them to students so that any needed modifications can be made.
Provide assistance to faculty members or staff with laboratory or field research.
Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules.
Attend lectures given by the supervising instructor.
Arrange for supervisors to conduct teaching observations and provide feedback about teaching performance.
Provide instructors with assistance in the use of audiovisual equipment.
Assist faculty members or staff with student conferences.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
Correspond with students through email to address their questions and concerns.
Education & Training
Job Zone 5Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Bachelor's Degree
57%
Master's Degree
37%
Doctoral Degree
4%
Some College Courses
1%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.