Graduate Teaching Assistant Job Description

Job Description: Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

Position Title: Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Department: Various
Reports to: TBA
Location: Kean Union Campus
Position Type: Part-time/Full-time (Dependent on department needs and funding)

Position Overview:

The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) will support faculty members in the delivery of undergraduate courses by assisting with instruction, grading, student engagement, and administrative tasks. This position provides graduate students with an opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience while contributing to the educational mission of the department. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Instructional Support:
   1. Assist the lead instructor with classroom activities, including facilitating discussions, leading study groups, or hosting review sessions.
   2. Deliver lectures or presentations when required, under the supervision of the faculty member.
   3. Provide additional support to students who need help understanding course material.
2. Grading and Assessment:
   1. Evaluate and grade assignments, quizzes, exams, and other course-related assessments promptly and fairly.
   2. Provide constructive feedback to students on their work, helping them identify areas for improvement.
   3. Assist in the development of assessment tools such as rubrics and quiz questions.
3. Student Engagement:
   1. Act as the first point of contact for student questions regarding course content, assignments, and deadlines.
   2. Hold regular office hours to provide additional support and guidance to students outside of scheduled class time.
   3. Facilitate communication between the students and the lead instructor.
4. Course Administration:
   1. Manage course-related materials on learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) by uploading readings, assignments, and lecture notes.
   2. Help organize and maintain student records, attendance logs, and gradebooks.
   3. Assist with the preparation and distribution of course materials and resources.
5. Professional Development:
   1. Participate in training sessions, workshops, and meetings organized by the department or university to enhance teaching skills.
   2. Seek feedback from supervising faculty to improve teaching techniques and student engagement strategies.

Qualifications:

• Education and Eligibility:
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree
  • Be enrolled for no more than 12 credits per semester, but no less than 9 credits per semester of graduate study in their program at the university
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or better, or GRE score in the 70th percentile or higher
  • Have a 3.5 graduate GPA at Kean after completing at least 9 credits
• Experience: Previous experience in teaching, tutoring, or mentoring is preferred but not required.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
  • Proficiency in using learning management systems (LMS) and other educational technologies.

Key Competencies:

• Adaptability: Ability to work with diverse groups of students and adjust teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles.
• Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with faculty, staff, and fellow GTAs to create a positive learning environment.
• Attention to Detail: Careful and accurate grading and record-keeping to ensure the integrity of the course's assessments.

Reimbursement, Workload, and Waiver of Tuition and Fees:

Full-time graduate assistantships

• 15-20 hours per week over any given semester

• Full tuition waiver (9-12 credits)

• Stipend of standard per hour rate Half-time graduate assistantships

Half-time graduate assistantships

• 7.5-10 hours per week over any given semester

• Half tuition waiver (50% of registered credits)

• Stipend of standard per hour rate

Career Readiness Opportunities to develop teaching and leadership skills, which can be valuable for future academic or career pursuits.

Application and Selection:

Applications for assistantships shall be filed through the graduate admissions portal at the point of application to admission to a graduate program. Students will be able to apply during the semester preceding the anticipated assignment. Applicants shall be interviewed by the appropriate staff member (Department Chairperson, Administrator, Faculty member, etc.), and the selection based upon institutional need, the applicant’s previous educational background, experiential background, financial need, etc. Applicants will be notified as to the disposition of the application as quickly as possible.

To apply for this position, please indicate interest in an assistantship through the original application for admission to the graduate program and submit the following materials:

1. Check “yes” that you wish to be considered for a GA position
2. A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
3. A current CV or resume.
4. A list of at least two academic or professional references.

Application Deadline: Open until filled – As this is a rolling process, a student may be contacted by the department before any semester if they wish to interview the student for an open position.
Contact Information: For more information, contact ga@kean.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Kean University is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

This job description provides a detailed overview of the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant, highlighting its importance in supporting both students and faculty while offering GTAs valuable teaching and administrative experience.