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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant Instructor information

What is a graduate assistant instructor?

Graduate Assistant Instructors (GAIs) are graduate students employed by a university to assist with teaching responsibilities. Their duties may include leading discussion sections, grading assignments, holding office hours, and sometimes teaching undergraduate courses independently. GAIs gain valuable teaching experience while pursuing their own graduate studies. The position often provides a stipend and may include tuition benefits, making it a popular option for graduate students seeking academic careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate assistant instructor?

To excel as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, you generally need a solid academic background in your field, enrollment in a graduate program, and strong subject matter expertise. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), grading software, and presentation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills help you effectively teach, support students, and balance academic responsibilities. These competencies are vital to foster a productive learning environment and ensure both student and personal academic success.

What are some common challenges graduate assistant instructors face when balancing teaching duties with their own coursework or research?

Graduate Assistant Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities such as leading classes, grading assignments, and preparing instructional materials, all while keeping up with their own graduate coursework or research. Time management and prioritization are key challenges, as it's essential to meet both teaching and academic deadlines. Clear communication with supervising faculty and effective planning can help maintain a healthy balance and reduce stress. Many universities also offer resources, such as teaching workshops and academic support services, to help graduate assistants manage these demands successfully.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant Instructor vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectGraduate Assistant InstructorTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student status
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, often with teaching responsibilitiesAssist in classroom activities, labs, or grading
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsUniversities, colleges, academic institutions

Both roles involve supporting teaching activities within higher education. A Graduate Assistant Instructor typically holds or is pursuing a graduate degree and may have more responsibilities, including leading classes. A Teaching Assistant is usually a student assisting with instructional tasks. While both roles are common in academic settings, the Graduate Assistant Instructor often has a higher level of responsibility and requires graduate-level credentials.

Is being a graduate assistant instructor worth it?

Being a graduate assistant instructor provides valuable teaching experience, professional development, and often includes a stipend or tuition waiver. However, it typically involves a significant time commitment and workload, which can impact academic progress and personal time. Its worth depends on individual career goals and the ability to balance responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Alabama?

For Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Summary of Responsibilities

The Part-Time Accommodations Assistant provides direct coordination and support for academic and medical accommodations for students enrolled at Highland's College. Under the supervision of the Director of Accommodations, the coordinator ensures that accommodation requests and plans are implemented accurately, timely, and in alignment with HC procedures. By serving students and teammates, this position strengthens Highlands College's commitment to holistic student success and resourcing students' learning opportunities. The role contributes to the mission of the College by helping students overcome barriers so they can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.


Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

This may include but is not limited to:

  • Coordinate academic and medical accommodation processes by receiving documentation, reviewing requests, and communicating approvals to students and faculty.
  • Maintain accurate accommodation records in the College's student information system and internal databases to ensure compliance and timely implementation.
  • Meet with students to discuss needs, explain accommodation procedures, and provide support in navigating academic adjustments.
  • Communicate accommodation directives to instructors by preparing letters, clarifying accommodation expectations, and serving as a liaison throughout the term.
  • Support medical accommodation needs by gathering documentation, coordinating temporary adjustments, and following up with students and faculty regarding recovery timelines.
  • Track deadlines, renewals, and expiring accommodation plans to ensure students remain supported throughout their enrollment.
  • Collaborate with the Student Success, Registrar's Office, Faculty, Rec and Fit, and Pillar teams to ensure consistent processes and timely response to student needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality and compliance with ADA, FERPA, and institutional policies.
  • Provide administrative support such as scheduling student appointments, responding to email inquiries, and updating internal resources.
  • Offer guidance to faculty and staff on accommodation best practices and processes.


Other Duties:

  • Work day-to-day with the Director of Accommodations and the Executive Director of Student Success to coordinate student appointments, information, and HC resources.
  • Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.


Qualifications

Personal Characteristics:

  • Demonstrates compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support students navigating academic or medical challenges.
  • Approaches work with humility, discretion, and strong ethical judgment.
  • Highly organized, dependable, and able to manage sensitive information with care.
  • Remains steady and adaptable when working under deadlines or handling multiple student needs simultaneously.

Leadership Traits:

  • Conveys accurate information clearly and professionally to ensure mutual understanding between students, faculty, and pillars.
  • Anticipates student needs and proactively plans follow-up actions to maintain consistent support.
  • Influences others using sound reasoning and promotes a collaborative approach when resolving accommodation concerns.
  • Sets clear expectations when communicating accommodation requirements to instructors and students.


Essential Traits:

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Initiative and follow-through.
  • High level of confidentiality.
  • Customer service capacity.


Abilities & Skills:

  • Ability to clearly explain accommodation processes, expectations, and limits to students and faculty.
  • Ability to assess documentation and determine eligibility based on established guidelines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple requests, track deadlines, and maintain orderly systems.
  • Proficiency in and ability to learn student information systems.
  • Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and professional in sensitive situations.

Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and best practices for accommodations in higher education.
  • Basic understanding of medical documentation and how it supports temporary or ongoing accommodations.
  • Knowledge of confidentiality laws, including FERPA.
  • Understanding of academic structures, course delivery formats, and institutional processes within a college environment.

Education:

Coursework or associate's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in disability services or student support roles may be considered.


Experience:

  • 1-2 years of experience in student services, academic support, case management, or disability accommodations preferred.
  • Experience working with students or in an educational environment is beneficial.
  • Experience interpreting medical provider documentation helpful but not required.


Extent of Public Contact:

  • Medium- frequent interaction with students, faculty, and internal staff; occasional contact with parents or student approved contacts.


Physical Demands:

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risks.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.


Direct Reports:

  • This position is not a team lead for any Highlands College teammates.