What does a teaching assistant do?

Considering becoming a TA someday. I'm curious about what responsibilities teaching assistants have. Is it more about helping students directly, or is it mostly grading and organizing?

A Teaching Assistant (TA) plays a lot of different roles, but it typically comes down to three main responsibilities: assisting students, supporting professors, and administrative work.

Firstly, in terms of student-facing responsibilities, TAs often hold office hours to address student queries or concerns. During these hours, they can help clarify lecture material, explain complex concepts, provide guidance on assignments, and sometimes, prepare students for exams. They're there to ensure students understand the course material, and they often play a crucial role in enhancing student learning through their one-on-one interactions.

Second, TAs assist professors. They might attend lectures to take notes, help develop and revise syllabi, or prepare instructional materials under the professor's guidance. In lab courses, TAs may help set up experiments and ensure safety protocols are followed. TAs might also have roles in conducting research, depending on their department and specific agreements with professors.

Lastly, one of the most substantial parts of a TA's role involves administrative and grading work. TAs often grade papers, exams, and homework assignments. Depending on the level of the course and the professor's preferences, TAs may have significant latitude in assigning grades. Additionally, they often monitor class enrollment, prepare class attendance lists, and handle other class management tasks.

Overall, the exact responsibilities of a TA can vary widely depending on the course, the professor, and the department, but it's typically a mix of student support, professor assistance, and administrative duties. It can be a challenging role, but it's also an excellent opportunity to build teaching and leadership skills.