Be a Teaching Assistant

Each semester, I invite motivated students to join my Teaching Team as undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs). Serving as a TA is an excellent way to gain experience in teaching, leadership, and communication while deepening your understanding of psychology. Students can earn PSYC 202 or PSYC 402 Independent Teaching Assistant credit, depending on their level of experience and/or year at JMU.

When I teach PSYC 101 (General Psychology), I typically recruit a team of 5–10 teaching assistants, and when I teach PSYC 211 (Research Methods), I usually work with a smaller group of 3–5 assistants. TA positions are open to psychology majors who are organized, dependable, and eager to learn more about teaching and mentoring.

Before applying, please check MyMadison to confirm which courses I am teaching for the upcoming semester. Applications will be reviewed two weeks prior to registration for that semester.

What TAs Do

Teaching assistants gain hands-on experience in many aspects of course instruction, including:

  • Helping develop course materials, rubrics, and in-class activities.

  • Holding office hours to support students and answer questions.

  • Assisting with low-stakes grading (such as participation or completion checks).

  • Conducting literature searches for supplemental readings.

  • Helping organize and lead review sessions.

  • Contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

TAs are expected to attend a weekly team meeting, check Canvas regularly for updates, and maintain consistent communication throughout the semester.

Learning Goals

By the end of the semester, TAs will have:

  • Strengthened their understanding of core psychological concepts.

  • Developed teaching and communication skills.

  • Gained insight into course design and the learning process.

  • Built experience that supports future goals, including graduate or professional study.

Additional Notes

  • TAs earn between 2–4 credits depending on workload. The default is 3 credits.

  • Weekly time commitments range from 6–12 hours, including meetings, prep, and communication.

  • No prior teaching experience is required, though prior enrollment in the course is encouraged.

  • Professionalism, confidentiality (FERPA compliance), and reliability are essential.

Submit an Application