26-27 AY Teaching Associate (TA) - Psychology

Position Overview

The Department of Psychology seeks graduate students as Teaching Associate applicants. Teaching Associates typically are responsible for providing classroom instruction. Eligibility is determined by successful TA eligibility, department eligibility and adequate funding.

• The department is seeking TA applicants for sections of Psych 144 – Experimental Methods.
• The successful applicant will teach one or more three-hour weekly lab sections the following semester. They will explain and supervise weekly lab activities, assist students with their ongoing research projects, evaluate and provide feedback on written assignments, and keep track of lab attendance.

The department reserves the right to choose the most qualified candidate for each position and to assign TAs to the courses that are appropriate for the department program and curriculum in any given semester. Due to staff and curriculum changes, courses offered may vary, and no guarantee of employment from semester to semester can be made.

Anticipated Appointment Dates

• Fall 2026: August 19, 2026 – December 22, 2026
• Spring 2027: January 15, 2027 – May 26, 2027

Job Duties

may include the following, but will be dependent upon the specific course to which the teaching associate will be assigned, as well as upon the specific needs of the faculty member in charge of the course:

• Instruct and manage the classroom
• Create or implement course design and assignment sequence
• Prepare course materials and classroom activities
• Respond to and evaluate student writing
• Assist students outside of class during office hours and by appointment
• Attend TA orientation at the beginning of the semester
• Maintain office hours
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning
• Assess student performance in lab and help the faculty instructor integrate laboratory performance by each student into their final course grade
• Attend weekly meetings with the faculty instructor to discuss curriculum, lab activities and grading criteria
• Teaching Associates will also be called upon to work in a collegial fashion with members of the Psychology department and other university employees

Qualifications

A candidate for the position of teaching associate in the Department of Psychology must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Admission to the Master’s or Ed.S. Program in the Department of Psychology, in good academic standing.
• Enrollment in at least 6-units for the semester or in two courses toward the degree.
• Demonstrated, satisfactory progress towards the degree.
• Ability to relate well with others within the academic environment and have the ability or potential to learn how to instruct and evaluate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field from an accredited university.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Preference will be given to candidates who have successfully passed PSYCH 244A (Research Methods) and the Graduate Writing Exam. Candidates who have not successfully passed PSYCH 244A and the Graduate Writing Exam will be required to take a proficiency exam to be considered.