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Returning TA-PL Information

Returning TA-PL Information

Current TA-PLs are not guaranteed a future TA-PL position, due to limited allocations within General Education and the necessity of 110/210 scheduling changes each semester. However, previous experience as a TA-PL is heavily weighted in staffing decisions.

If you currently work as a TA-PL and are interested in applying to return to the program next school year (fall 2022 – spring 2023), please review the position description below and reach out to Lauren Hall (lauren_hall@berea.edu) for a link to this year’s fall labor questionnaire.

GSTR 110/210 TA-Peer Leaders Program Description 

Teaching Assistants/Peer Leaders (TA-PLs) serve as instructional and advising support for first-year GSTR courses. In the fall semester, each TA-PL collaborates with a faculty member/academic advisor teaching GSTR 110. TA-PLs work as writing TAs for their assigned GSTR 110 sections, helping students develop study strategies and college-level writing skills. TA-PLs also serve as peer leaders, acclimating students to the college environment and advising them as they develop general academic skills, explore majors, and utilize campus resources. In the spring, TA-PLs continue this work, supporting a section of GSTR 110 or 210 (and often working with a new faculty member). 

TA-PLs are critical to the success of first-year students at Berea. TA-PLs develop unique bonds with the students and faculty in their courses. They also work closely with others in the TA-PL cohort, learning with folks who are similarly invested in sharing their experience and knowledge. One of the ultimate goals of the TA-PL program is to work together to think up creative learning opportunities for students—in the classroom and out. The program also seeks to help TA-PLs hone their own communication skills, which we hope will serve them in their time at Berea and beyond. 

For these reasons,  

  • The TA-PL program is comprised of students who have demonstrated not only a history of academic success, but also emotional maturity, initiative, and a strong understanding of the skills and resources incoming students need to succeed at Berea. 
  • The work of a TA-PL (typically, 12-hour primaries only for a year-long position) takes many forms: regular one-on-one meetings with their assigned faculty member; one-on-one meetings with students (typically during regularly held TA hours); group meetings with students; group meetings with other TA/PLs (required labor meetings). It also involves considerable independent work, as TA-PLs may be asked to develop resources and workshops to support faculty and students. 
  • Returning TA-PLs will be asked to mentor new TA-PLs in formal and informal ways. This might mean conducting labor meeting workshops or presentations, where returning TA-PLs share their experiences and insights; holding one-on-one check-in meetings with new TA-PLs; or allowing new TA-PLs to sit in on TA hours meetings. This mentoring experience is related to the philosophy of the TA-PL program, which deeply values collaboration and peer learning. 
  • All TA-PLs are expected to return to campus approximately one week before the start of the fall semester to attend several days of orientation (exact date TBA). So, in addition to committing to the school year contract, you are asked to commit to a summer contract for the orientation period.