Occupation AtlasTeaching Assistants, Postsecondary
O*NET · 25-9044.00
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.
Also called Classroom Assistant · College Assistant · College Biology TA · College Biology Teaching Assistant (College Biology TA) · Exam Proctor · Faculty Research Assistant · Graduate Assistant · Graduate Fellow
18 more
Graduate Research Assistant · Graduate Student · Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) · Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) · Graduate Teaching Associate · GSI · GTA · Proctor · RA · Research Assistant (RA) · Student Assistant · TA · Teacher Assistant · Teaching Assistant (TA) · Teaching Fellow · Testing Proctor · Undergraduate TA · Undergraduate TA (Undergraduate Teaching Assistant)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Self-Enrichment Teachers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SCISocial · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.53
- C Conventional4.99
- I Investigative3.13
- E Enterprising2.79
- R Realistic2.15
- A Artistic2.01
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (33%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (33%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- InstructingImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 7 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.Importance 4.6
- Teach undergraduate-level courses.Importance 4.6
- Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.Importance 4.3
- Develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course Web sites.Importance 4.2
- Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.Importance 4.1
- Return assignments to students in accordance with established deadlines.Importance 4.0
- Prepare or proctor examinations.Importance 3.9
- Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.Importance 3.9
- Schedule and maintain regular office hours to meet with students.Importance 3.7
- Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.Importance 3.7
- Copy and distribute classroom materials.Importance 3.4
- Order or obtain materials needed for classes.Importance 3.4
Show the other 8
- Notify instructors of errors or problems with assignments.Importance 3.1
- Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment and enforce laboratory rules.Importance 3.8
- Complete laboratory projects prior to assigning them to students so that any needed modifications can be made.Importance 3.8
- Provide assistance to faculty members or staff with laboratory or field research.Importance 3.8
- Attend lectures given by the supervising instructor.Importance 3.4
- Arrange for supervisors to conduct teaching observations and provide feedback about teaching performance.Importance 3.3
- Provide instructors with assistance in the use of audiovisual equipment.Importance 3.1
- Assist faculty members or staff with student conferences.Importance 3.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.7Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- PsychologyImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
Show all 33
- BiologyImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- DesignImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- GeographyImportance 2.2Level 2.7
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PhysicsImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.8
Show all 52
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Far VisionImportance 2.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Processing InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
21 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (2)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (8; 2 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Google Docs
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (11)
- Blackboard Learn
- Collaborative editing software
- Course management system software
- Desire2Learn LMS software
- DOC Cop
- Email software
- Image scanning software
- iParadigms Turnitin
- Learning management system LMS
- Sakai CLE
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.8, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Pharmacy Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.2, Operation and Control +1.1
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Archivists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.6, Systems Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −0.7, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Physical Therapist Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Medical Records Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.0, Science −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.7, Social Perceptiveness +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Animal Trainers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −1.0, Operation and Control +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.