Application for TA-Peer Leaders

The TA-Peer Leader Program is accepting applications for fall 2025 - spring 2026 positions. Although TA-PLs are technically housed in the General Education department, they're coordinated and supported through the CTL's Teaching and Learning Assistant Programs office.

Please read the position overview in its entirety before submitting an application.

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 (labor meetings). It also involves considerable independent work, as TA-PLs may be asked to develop resources and workshops to support faculty and students.

---New TA-PLs are expected to enroll in GST 286: Tutoring/Writing Pedagogy, a .25-credit (1 hour weekly) practicum course that outlines basic techniques for supporting college-level writers and critical research on teaching and learning. TA-PLs who successfully complete this course and their year-long TA-PL contract will be lifetime certified as Level 1 Tutors through the College Reading & Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program. This is a significant honor that indicates your dedication, drive, and strong critical thinking and communication skills to future employers.

---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. So, in addition to committing to the school year contract, you are asked to commit to a summer contract (approx. 25 hours) for the orientation period.