All graduate students in the Chemistry Department are required to spend at least two semesters in some type of teaching position. Although formulated as a requirement, appointment as an instructor in a laboratory or recitation section should be viewed as a privilege for a number of reasons. This is the chance to interact on a one-to-one basis with a group of undergraduates with whom the student should have much in common.

The manner in which the student discharges his/her teaching responsibilities reflects upon the student, the Chemistry Department, and Texas A&M University. Students should do their best to excel in the instruction of undergraduates.  Teaching assistants are the undergraduates' most intimate link to the University and the Chemistry Department, and their attitude and support can make or break their semester. Their educational experience can be greatly enhanced by the vitality, enthusiasm, effort and sense of personal responsibility that teaching assistants demonstrate toward them. Graduate students are encouraged to emulate the best qualities of professors and teaching assistants they encountered during their undergraduate days. Teaching assistants are there to assist these undergraduates, who are from highly varied backgrounds and highly varied abilities.  Teaching assistants' attitudes in dealing with their students may seem like a little thing, but it can make a big difference in the way those future tax payers and alumni think about science at Texas A&M, and that has a very real and direct affect on the graduate student.

Teaching assistants (TA) must seek the proper balance of authority along with an attitude that lets the students know the TA is really interested in their success in the course. This sense of professionalism should not lead to arrogance on the part of the TA because the teaching experience will possibly be of even greater benefit to the TA than to the students if it is approached correctly. It will be a time for the TA to gain a better understanding of fundamentals and an increased breadth of understanding while helping the students learn and develop their skills as problem solvers. Many students find that this teaching experience has a great influence on their professional and career development.

Teaching assistants should never forget that an inadequately prepared or poorly motivated graduate instructor can create a negative impression, can make the lab or classroom a non-learning experience, can lead their students into developing poor skills and a flawed knowledge base, and can even cause students to change majors and drop out of college. The teaching effort could turn out to be the single most important factor affecting a particular student during that semester, and TAs should not take this responsibility lightly.

The Chemistry Department, the University, the students who attend Texas A&M University and their parents are depending on the TAs. They are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity.

Keep in mind that Graduate Assistant-Teaching (GAT) positions are for a full semester.   Once a student accepts a GAT assignment, he/she is REQUIRED to stay for the entire term.  As noted above, all graduate students are required to spend two semesters as a GAT. To fulfill this requirement, students must teach for two semesters at a minimum of a GAT-2 level within the first 4 long semesters. Extension of this requirement must be approved by the Graduate Advisor.  This position involves interaction with undergraduates in the teaching laboratories or in the lecture classroom.

The GANT position (Graduate Assistant-Non-Teaching) position does not normally count toward this two semester teaching requirement.

Each time you teach a new course, you may be required to enroll in the appropriate section of CHEM 697-METHODS OF TEACHING. This may result in the TA taking more credit units of Chem 697 than the degree plan requires. (Ph.D. requirements typically include only 1 credit (1 course) of CHEM 697.)

Responsibilities of Chemistry Teaching Assistants

Lab Safety

Performance of Duties

Evaluation of Teaching Assistants

Procedures for Resolving Student Concerns

Proficiency in English

For more information, write the Graduate Student Advisor: gradmail@mail.chem.tamu.edu.