As a senior, you have many more options for what to do with your schedule than the lowerclassmen. You can take a senior release, do PSEO, do a study hall, etc. One of these wonderful options is to be a teacher’s assistant, or TA. Juniors can be TAs as well, but it is less common because of their tighter schedule.

There are many benefits to being a TA. Senior Armeen Shahriar, a TA for AP Psychology teacher Ms. Mathers does it because, “It’s a change of pace from a normal class. You get to learn things from your teacher, and it’s an opportunity to get school work done when you aren’t doing TA work.”

Senior Lindsey Kemp, a TA for Biology and Comparative Anatomy teacher Ms. Raasch said, “I had a free period and I still wanted to do something substantial with it. I had her for Biology last year and I really liked her and I’m interested in Biology as a major.” Another reason to become a TA is that it can look great on a college application, and depending on the teacher it’s generally not too much work.

What kind of work does a TA do exactly, and how often? “Usually every day I have something. It ranges from easy stuff like getting copies to grading IDs or homework assignments. One time I got make a test on the computer,” said Shahriar. Kemp has different jobs for working in the science department, “I’m usually in the classroom when I have to do stuff. I do some grading, but I also help set up lab practicals or labs when she needs that. A lot of the time I don’t have too much to do so I can study in the library,” she said.

The process of becoming a TA is pretty simple. What you have to do is fill out a form in the counseling office, and then ask a teacher if they want you to be their TA. Then you ask your counselor to leave a free spot in your schedule. “The only real downside to being a TA is that you don’t get a letter grade for it,” said Shahriar.