Who can be an Instructional Assistant (IA) or a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
Students enrolled in a master's program are eligible to become IAs. This includes undergraduate students enrolled in a 5-year Integrated Undergraduate Graduate (IUG) program in the College of IST, since they work toward undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously.
Students enrolled in a doctoral program are eligible to become TAs.
How do I become an IA?
To be considered for an IA position, complete the IA interest form and submit it before the deadline. IAs who are formally assigned to assist a faculty member must complete the PSU job application in addition to the interest form. After assignments are made, the link to the PSU job application will be sent to your PSU email account.
Important Notes:
- Students should *NOT* reach out directly to instructors regarding positions - as this is viewed as spam
- If hired as an IA (for the first time), you are required to take IST 602 as required training (or file an exemption)
- No IA jobs are guaranteed until Notification of Offer email messages is sent to the student (typically two weeks prior to the start of the semester).
- Successful IA candidates must be free during the class meeting time (if they are assigned to a course that is taught at University Park)
How do I become a TA?
Work with your advisor to determine whether you qualify to become a TA. TA assignments are made with input from your advisor.
What can I expect if hired as an IA or a TA?
If you are a first-time IA or TA, you must
- Register for IST 602 and attend classes for training (or file an exemption)
- Be fluent in English (non-native speakers must pass the AEOCPT exam)
- Submit the Assistant-Instructor Agreement Form by the end of the second week of classes
For IAs:
- You are required to submit hours every two weeks by entering your hours in Workday
- For more information and a step-by-step walkthrough of how to enter your hours, see this video
- For pay period start and end dates, check the 2025-2026 Payroll Schedule
For TAs:
- You receive a stipend for your work as a TA. You are expected to work 20 hours per week on your TA assignment(s).
Important Contact Information
- Chrissie Fitzgerald - Course Assignments and Questions for TAs (PhD students)
- Sharon Lazarow - Course Assignments and Questions for IAs (MS students)
- Jeannette Macaluso - HR Inquiries and Workday Questions (e.g. W-4, I-9, automatic deposit, payroll questions, etc.)
- IST Learning Design - Canvas Questions (e.g. Set up teams, export grades to Excel, etc.)
- TechTutors - Instructional Technology Support (e.g. Classroom podium, Office 365, Voicethread, Top Hat, etc.)
- Jenna Hart - Registration for IST 602 (e.g. How to get registered or exempted)
- Course Instructor - IST 602 Assignments and Projects (e.g. Grades, assignment clarification)