What’s It Like to Be a Teaching Assistant at UMass?
What’s It Like to Be a Teaching Assistant at UMass? Here are 5 pieces of advice, with many specific suggestions and resources!
Be active.
“The person doing is the person learning.”
What helps people learn? Practicing remembering details, returning to older material, explaining how they found their answer, and making connections (to things in- and outside of class).
Use the first five minutes of class and the last five minutes to have students brainstorm, reflect, review, connect, remember, or evaluate!
Activities could be long and complex (like a jigsaw) or as simple as asking students to explain to their neighbor the steps they took to solve problem #3. Here are some examples!
Offer options for how students can get the information and how students can demonstrate their understanding!
Be inclusive.
Inclusive teaching means creating an environment where everyone can learn and feel welcomed and supported. As a TA, you do have influence over creating a welcoming classroom.
This starts with seeing and treating your students as whole people with complex lives. Learn their names and the correct pronunciation (you can suggest that they make a short video introduction or use this tool), and learn their pronouns.
Consider using a short survey on or before the first day to get to know more about your students.
Share some of yourself with your students - what your experience was like as an undergraduate, your favorite places on campus or in the Amherst area.
Provide opportunities for them to get to know each other through icebreakers, activities, and small group work.
Be empathetic.
Students have complex lives that are not on hold during the semester. They are also not required to share the details of those lives with you.
Most students are not trying to trick you; believe students and show them grace. I’d rather be tricked than be harsh on a student who is going through a hard time.
Be flexible. Ultimately, I’d rather help a student learn than focus on nitpicky grading minutiae.
Offer that flexibility and support to all students. Students (often with a lot of privilege) will ask for it, while others may not feel like it is their place to even ask.
You are also not a counselor or therapist or academic advisor. If a student is having trouble, especially repeated absences, a change in participation or appearance, etc., you can turn to the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) for support. This website is also a nice overview of the ways that UMass offices can help. If a student is in distress, you can refer to the “Maroon Folder” for tips and resources.
Manage your relationships.
Being a TA is a tricky role since you have responsibilities both to the course instructor and your students.
Be proactive and reach out to the instructor to understand what they expect of you and what their preferred mode of communication is. Ask questions like:
Is there a regular weekly meeting time?
What is their preferred mode of communication?
What are the expectations they have for what you do in the classroom? How much guidance will they give you?
What are the expectations they have for what you will do outside of class time - are you expected to hold office hours?
If you are teaching a lab or discussion section, do they expect you to attend all of the lectures?
What are their expectations (if any) about grading?
Advocate for yourself with the course instructor to ensure you get the guidance and support you need.
Understand that even though you may be friendly with your students, you still have authority over them, so keep this authority in mind in your interactions with them.
Advocate for your students with the course instructor if you think they have legitimate concerns and if you think the instructor will be open to the feedback.
Manage your time.
Track your time. If you find you have more work than you have time, bring this up with your faculty member; likely, they are unaware of the situation. If you want support in that conversation - especially if it becomes an issue, contact your department’s GEO steward!
Practice all those time management strategies that work for you.
Account for emotional labor. Supporting students in a calm and optimistic demeanor can leave you exhausted for the rest of the day! Consider what tasks you will have energy for on days you teach - maybe a good time for a meeting or a trip to the library!
And, lastly and perhaps most importantly, take care of your physical and mental health. Don't skip on sleep! Prioritize your physical health, your mental health, and your happiness!