What Is a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
A teaching assistant, or TA, is a graduate student, and sometimes an advanced undergraduate, who supports an instructor by helping to teach a course. TAs are common at large universities, particularly in introductory and science courses with big lectures. They are often paid through assistantships that also support their studies.
What TAs do
- Lead discussion sections, recitations or labs, where students practice and ask questions.
- Grade assignments and exams, following the professor's rubric.
- Hold office hours, which are often easier to attend than a professor's.
- Answer questions by email or in online forums.
- Prepare materials, such as problem sets and review sessions.
- Proctor exams and handle logistics.
In some courses TAs have more independence and teach their own sections, and in others they mainly grade.
How TAs are trained
Universities usually provide training, orientation or teaching courses for TAs, and departments set expectations. TAs are also students themselves, balancing teaching with their own research and classes, so they may be busy.
Working well with a TA
- Go to sections and office hours, since TAs often know exactly what will be on exams.
- Prepare questions with specific examples.
- Be respectful, and email politely with the course name and the issue.
- Ask about grading by looking at the rubric and comments before disputing.
- Follow the chain: if you cannot resolve an issue with the TA, then contact the professor.
Related roles
Research assistants work on faculty research rather than teaching. Graders only mark work. In the UK, similar roles go by names such as demonstrator, graduate teaching assistant or seminar tutor. Undergraduate teaching assistants help in some courses and may hold review sessions.
Why it matters
TAs are often your main contact in large courses, so a good relationship can improve your learning and give you insight into how the course works.
Related terms
See research assistant, recitation section, lab section, assistantship and office hours.
Frequently asked questions
Are TAs professors?
No. TAs are usually graduate students, sometimes advanced undergraduates, who work under a professor. Many are knowledgeable and trained in the course.
Who grades my work, the professor or the TA?
Often the TA, using a rubric from the professor. If you disagree with a grade, talk to the TA first, then the professor if needed.
How can I get help from a TA?
Attend their office hours or discussion sections, email questions clearly and prepare specific examples of what you do not understand.