Peer Teaching Assistants (PTA)

Peer Teaching Assistants (PTAs) help lead learning activities within course sections, working directly with students during class or lab sessions. PTA assistance may also extend beyond the classroom or lab to include out-of-class support to reinforce learning. PTAs benefit from professional development opportunities offered through their instructor and department, with additional forthcoming training by the CTL.

PTA Activities

Inside the Classroom

A PTA will promote student engagement and may support course instruction through one or more of the following activities:

  • Leading small group activities
  • Reviewing and offering feedback on student assignments (no grading)
  • Facilitating discussions
  • Taking attendance
  • Distributing learning materials
  • Setting up classroom technology
  • Meeting weekly with the instructor to provide feedback on previous instruction, student progress and upcoming course activities

Outside the Classroom

A PTA may support students by:

  • Reviewing and offering feedback on assignments
  • Leading group study sessions
  • Providing 1:1 student support

A PTA cannot engage in the following activities:

  • Grading assignments
  • Serving as a research or office assistant
  • Proctoring exams without the instructor being present

PTA Duties

  • Meet weekly with the instructor for whom they are a PTA to debrief previous sessions and plan future sessions
  • Attend any required CTL info sessions and trainings
  • Log any out-of-class session attendance and work hours as required by the CTL and/or department or program guidelines
  • Attend class or lab sessions as required
  • Complete a PTA summary/payment verification form at the end of the semester
  • Please note: PTAs are not allowed to participate in grading of student assignments

Faculty/Department Responsibilities

  • Share PTA name and contact information via the course syllabus and LMS
  • Meet weekly with the PTA to debrief previous sessions and plan future sessions
  • Provide professional development to PTA to complete their assigned duties
  • Complete a PTA summary/payment verification form at the end of the semester
  • Upon request, provide course attendance records to CTL

Payment Information

  • Stipends are calculated based on the total anticipated weekly hours, including both in-class and out-of-class support, multiplied by the number of weeks in the term.
  • Upon verification of work by the instructor, PTA, and CTL, the PTA will receive a one-time stipend at the end of the semester.