Should I be a teaching assistant?

[kbd1313]

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I was recently contacted by my biology lab professor and asked if I would apply to be a teaching assistant. The TAs in this class grade labs and assist the students during the experiments. I really enjoy this class and I think I would like to be a TA. However, I would have to squeeze it into my already packed schedule. Would this be a good thing to have on my resume, or would I just be wasting my time?

 

[JayBird1625]

It definitely won't hurt you to have it. If you think you can honestly withstand all of your commitments while still getting the most out of them then do it.

 

[variegata]

I say go for it. If you continue to build a good relationship with this professor, you could use him for one of your LORs, in addition to gaining teaching/communication experience.

 

[Gwenevre]

Do it do it do it! I TA'ed for my animal physiology class. Created a really good relationship with the professor, got an LOR two years running, and developed a lot of good communication skills. One big thing I learned is that it's easier to learn material if you can figure out how to teach it to someone else.

 

[that redhead]

I really enjoyed my TAing experience and would definitely recommend it to others. Also builds a good relationship with the professor which can come in handy for letters of recommendation.

The grading can be time consuming though. I'm not sure what size the classes are, how many people are in each lab or how frequently you'd have to grade. Something to consider or ask about.

 

[Caia]

Just echoing what everyone else has said.

If you have the time to fit in an opportunity to build a relationship with a professor, do it. I originally sought out TAing for a class in a subject area that I was interested in and that was taught by a prof that I really liked for the purposes of gaining a solid LOR. I came away with not only a even deeper understanding of the material through teaching, but also gained a lifelong mentor and friend. Needless to say, the LOR was only one small part. 🙂

 

[pp9]

Florida specifically mentions that they like to see TA experience. It's valuable experience...educating doesn't stop when you become a vet!