Graduate Teaching Assistant - Teaching & Learning Programs
Department
Position Type
Hours Per Week
Description
The Teaching and Learning Programs Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) will work with department members to support student learning, primarily through offering instruction and developing instructional materials. The GTA will be part of a team that includes Student Success Librarians and an Instructional Designer. The GTA will work 20 hours each week, which is flexible around the GTA’s class schedule. The GTA will gain experience working on collaborative and independent projects, with some work tailored to individual interests and skills. This 12-month position also has the opportunity to collaborate with departments across the UT Libraries.
This is a 12-month, 50% assistantship running from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. This position has a monthly salary, and a full tuition waiver.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Teaching research and information literacy skills to early undergraduates in general education courses such as First-Year Composition, First Year Experience, and Public Speaking. Instruction may be delivered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format
- Contributing to the planning and evaluation of instructional and student success projects and initiatives
- Creating or contributing to online instructional materials, such as LibGuides and tutorials
- Participating in Research Assistance shifts, possibly including evening or weekend hours (approx. 4 hours a week)
- Assisting with planning and staffing student engagement events, such as tours and orientations
- Attending and participating in department meetings, with potential opportunities to participate in other Libraries' committees or working groups
- Researching literature that supports instructional initiatives, such as finding literature on best practices
- Conducting administrative tasks that support instruction
- Pursuing special projects as interest and schedule allows Occasional outreach activities that are part of the overall responsibilities may involve evening or weekend hours.
Required Qualifications
- Graduate student in the School of Information Sciences or related field
- Interest in teaching first-year students, both in person and in online environments
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion in a higher education setting
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and a high comfort level with public speaking
- Willingness to learn new skills and technologies based on needs and interest
- Experience using a library discovery system, bibliographic databases, and Internet search engines
Application Procedures
Please email your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 references to Erin Elizabeth Whitaker at erin@utk.edu. In your cover letter indicate your qualifications for the position. Prior library work experience is not required. It will be helpful if you can discuss your experiences as they relate to the required qualifications. Review of applications will begin February 27th and will continue until the position is filled.