Person/job specification framework
for Graduate Teaching Assistants

(for modification by Departments according to individual requirements)

University of Essex

Further particulars

Department of *

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Department/Section: (name)

Responsible to: Head of Department of *

Reports on a day to day basis to:
(either HOD or other nominated person, as decided by Department)

Purpose of job:

The persons appointed will be required to teach undergraduate students, to undertake marking of coursework assignments, and related administrative work.

Duties of the post will include:

1. Preparing and teaching classes to undergraduate students;
2. Holding office hours related to the courses taught;
3. Marking coursework assignments;
4. Maintaining contact with the course supervisor;
5. Undertaking related administrative duties;
6. Attending training courses and workshops ;
7. Attending briefing meetings as part of the induction process;
8. Any other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Head of Department or her/his nominee.

These duties are a guide to the work that the postholder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances and do not form part of the contract of employment.

Essential experience, skills and attributes of the postholder:

• A degree or other appropriate qualification in a relevant subject area (this may be more specific, depending on the requirements of each specific department);
• A willingness to undertake a programme of training relevant to the requirements of this post;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of students;
• Adequate English language competence for teaching and assessing a wide range of students who are both native and non-native English speakers;
• Where the teaching duties are linked to a bursary, evidence of excellent research potential is required.

Desirable experience, skills and attributes of the postholder:

• Good knowledge of the requirements of the subject area of the course taught (in some disciplines this may be an essential requirement);
• Previous experience of teaching or evidence of other activity requiring similar skills;
• Evidence of the ability to show flexibility and adaptability in teaching style.

Appointment to these posts will be for a specified period of weeks during the academic year. Payment will vary according to the number and mix of classes taught, but will be based on multiples of the University base rate for Graduate Teaching Assistants, currently £xxxxx per contact hour. (Actual rates to be specified for each post by the Department)

(If a Department has a specific policy relating to sharing GTA work between students to ensure that all students have the opportunity to undertake teaching at some point during their postgraduate study it should be set out clearly here.)

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Department or his/her nominee and one other member of teaching staff. Where teaching duties are linked to a bursary, selection will be made on the basis of both research and teaching potential. Candidates invited to interview will be provided with feedback on their interview performance and suitability for the role of Graduate Teaching Assistant on request.

Applicants for posts as Graduate Teaching Assistant must be registered for a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex during all or part of the academic year 201*/*.

Applications should be made to:
(Department contact point)

To arrive not later than *

Interviews are to be held on *