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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MEng Adjunct Faculty

Duluth, MN · On-site

$5.7K - $8.9K/mo

Hiring either Assistant Professor (9403) or Instructor (9404) Applications are invited for ... With more than 3,200 undergraduate and 200 graduate students, Swenson College is the largest ...

Physics TA

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$14.25/hr

In this position, you will assist professors with grading a variety of coursework, including lab ... Have been nominated by the course instructor or department chair Work Environment: Grading may be ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Minnesota?

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$50 - $75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

About the Job
 

Lab Assistants provide guidance and hands-on instruction to DPT students during coursework and practical examinations. All work is completed under the direction of the Course Directors and/or primary instructors. 

Additional duties may include:

  • Provides instruction/supervision in laboratory experiences
  • May manage a room for laboratory experience
  • May assist with practical testing
  • May arrange/manage equipment/supplies
  • May assist with grading
  • Receives direction from primary course instructor
     
Qualifications
 

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications: 

Must be licensed as a physical therapist in the State of MN and license number provided on resume.
Preferred Qualifications: 

  • An interest in education
  • Experience working with students in the clinical or classroom setting
  • Previous experience as a lab instructor
  • The ability to work with diverse groups of graduate learners
About the Department
 

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota was created more than 50 years ago in response to a legislative mandate to train primary care physicians. Since then, we have been leaders in transforming the specialty through education, research, and patient care. We are the academic sponsor of seven family medicine residenciesfive in the Twin Cities, two in Greater Minnesota. We are involved in medical student education activities across the Medical School's two campuses: Twin Cities and Duluth. We sponsor five fellowship programssports medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, clinical informatics, behavioral medicine, and human sexuality and offer continuing medical education opportunities. We are regularly among the top National Institutes of Health-funded family medicine departments. Our faculty are actively researching health disparities, healthcare delivery, and population health. More at https://med.umn.edu/familymedicine.

The Division of Physical Therapy creates and integrates innovative research discoveries, education, and practice to develop scholarly, collaborative physical therapists and rehabilitation scientists who advance health care and disease prevention for diverse communities in Minnesota and beyond.

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $50.00 - $75.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.


Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).