Become a service-learning teaching assistant
Service-learning teaching assistantships are a great way to develop new skills, work closely with faculty and participate in a wide variety of community initiatives. In partnership with VCU Honors College, the Service-Learning Teaching Assistant Program is offered to enhance students’ leadership skills and academic experiences (students do not need to be in the Honors College to participate).
The SLTA serves as a crucial element in the service-learning program. It enhances the student’s service-learning experience and helps the faculty member manage the logistical details of the class and service placements.
Benefits
As a service-learning teaching assistant, you’ll find that your experience:
- Enhances your leadership skills.
- Develops interpersonal skills such as resourcefulness, giving and receiving feedback, working with diverse populations, and listening without judgment.
- Improves your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Enhances your perspective on faculty/student relationships.
- Creates networking opportunities.
- Builds resume credentials for future education or employment.
- Provides the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member in and out of the classroom.
Get started
To become a service-learning teaching assistant:
- Contact the service-learning program director Lynn Pelco at (804) 827-8215.
- Register for the class HONR 399 Honors Module: Service-Learning TA Orientation (1.5 credits) offered each spring.
Training
During your service-learning TA orientation, you’ll develop knowledge of:
- The theory and foundation needed to serve as a teaching assistant for a service-learning class.
- The history of service in higher education and the basics of a service-learning class.
- The strategies for conducting reflection, grading journals and working effectively with faculty members and community sites.
Upon successful completion of the training module, you’ll be eligible to serve as a teaching assistant with a service-learning faculty member. You can earn an additional 1.5 independent study credit hours during the semester that you serve as a teaching assistant.
Participation in the Service-Learning Teaching Assistant Program is not restricted to Honors College students. Other students can register for the module with an override from the Honors College. Please call the Honors College at (804) 828-1803 to inquire about an override.
Program evaluation
Download and complete the Service-Learning Teaching Assistant Program Evaluation. [Word document]