Most of the interns I work with are Teaching Assistants for creative writing and literature courses. In such courses, I like to work with undergraduates who can help run smaller discussion and writing workshop groups. Since leading discussions and workshops with a portion of the class is one of the primary TA duties, the main thing I look for in potential TAs is enthusiasm for the course subject, an ability to help others explore texts, and a desire to gain teaching and leadership experience.

Serving as a TA in a class usually requires a similar amount of time as taking the class would, because you still need to attend the class and do class readings. However, instead of doing homework and completing assignments, TAs focus on helping other students develop their writing and thinking.

The most important measure of success for me is that TAs enjoy the work and experience the thrill of helping others learn. In addition, I want TAs to feel that they're growing though the experience of being a TA. As Yogi Bhajan once put it, “If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.” I hope that rings true for many of the TAs I've worked with as I always try to give TAs ample opportunities to gain teaching experience, while having plenty of support and encouragement.

Communication is key! If you take a course that you think you'd enjoy serving as a TA in, don't hesitate to let the instructor know that you're interested in gaining TA experience. Even if that instructor isn't planning on working with a TA next semester, they can recommend other instructors teaching the course (or similar courses) who might be looking for a TA to work with.