Peer-to-peer teaching is one of the most effective methods for lasting learning. To this end, the chemistry department at UAB hires highly qualified undergraduates to lead recitation and laboratory sections. TAs gain invaluable teaching experience with multiple facets of the learning process. They also gain leadership skills as they learn to work one on one with their peers.

We are looking for highly motivated students that have great communication skills who want to help other students be successful in chemistry. Applicants must have earned an A or B in the course they will lead, and have the recommendation of the instructor for that course. We expect TAs to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, and prefer STEM majors. However, we hire students that have demonstrated excellent peer-to-peer leadership in the classroom that are majoring in any UAB undergraduate major.

Compensation

The real reward for being an TA is the experience, but undergraduate teaching assistants are considered student assistants and will receive the current departmental hourly rate for their time.

Responsibilities

The assignment a TA gets is based on the needs of the department for that semester, but an appointment generally requires approximately 8-10 hours per week. Because of this, we ask that you strongly consider whether you are able to commit to your teaching assignment. Recitation TAs facilitate workshops completed during recitation, attend lecture, and help to grade exams. Lab TAs work in pairs to share in the teaching and mentoring duties in the laboratory. All TAs are required to attend a 1 hour staff meeting each week. TAs are supervised by the instructor or laboratory coordinator for the course.

Questions?

As a TA, you will have the opportunity to work with a number of the faculty in the department. Direct any questions you have to Dr. Mitzy Erdmann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If she can’t answer them, she will find someone who will.