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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Welding Instructor - Part Time

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Collaborate and assist the Department Head in the development of curriculum (course outline or ... Be a graduate from a welding technology program, College degree preferred. Knowledge, Skills ...

Lead Instructor

Norman, OK · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

A college graduate (or non-traditional student) with strong math and leadership ability If you are ... Guide instructors in pacing, explanation, and student engagement * Assist with individual student ...

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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 Oklahoma?

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$11.38/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Central Oklahoma rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Overview

This is a Teaching Assistant (TA) position with the Department of English in which the student will serve as an instructor of record and will teach one or two sections of ENG 1113: English Composition or ENG 1213: English Composition and Research, during the fall and spring semesters.

Hours per Week

10-20 hours per week

College/Department Overview

Department of English, College of Liberal Arts. 

The College of Liberal Arts serves the University's Core Curriculum programs and enrolls more than 2,850 undergraduate students and more than 300 graduate students in 34 undergraduate and 17 graduate majors. For further information see our website at http://www.uco.edu/la.

Department Specific Job Functions

“Full-Time” teaching assistants work 20 hours per week as instructors of record and teach two sections of either ENG 1113: English Composition or ENG 1213: English Composition and Research, during the fall and spring semesters.

“Part-Time” teaching assistants work 10 hours per week as instructors of record and teach one section of either ENG 1113: English Composition or ENG 1213: English Composition and Research, during the fall and spring semesters.

Enrollment Requirements

Fall/Spring Semesters: All student employees must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to work any UCO student position. Half-time enrollment for fall/spring semesters is considered 5 hours for graduates and 6 hours for undergraduates. International students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible to work as a student employee. Full-time enrollment is 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.

Summer Semester: Student employees working regular student positions must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be eligible to work during the summer. Students not enrolled in summer classes must be enrolled in fall classes in order to work during the summer, but they (and the department) will be required to pay FICA taxes. Student employees working FWSP positions must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (if undergraduate) or 5 credit hours (if graduate) in order to work during the summer in a Federal Work Study Program position.

Enrollment Exception: If the number of credit hours needed to graduate is less than the minimum number of hours required for student employment, the student must obtain a letter from their Academic Advisor (stating the number of hours needed to graduate and anticipated graduation date) and submit it to Human Resources. This pertains to both regular and Federal Work Study Program positions. Contact jobs@uco.edu for more information.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Teaching Assistants must enroll in and complete ENG 5533: Teaching Methods for Teaching Assistants or ENG 5723: Composition Pedagogies during the fall semester in which they begin teaching, must attend a week-long orientation before the fall semester begins, and must maintain a 3.25 graduate GPA for renewal.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Applicants should have excellent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English as well as strong critical thinking skills. Selected teaching assistants will be required to handle confidential information in a professional and ethical manner, will need to balance their own coursework with a significant teaching load, and must be able to plan ahead, maintain a schedule, and organize teaching materials.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation, in accordance with ADA requirements, may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information for Applicants

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a graduate program within the College of Liberal Arts by August 1st, 2025, to qualify for consideration.

In addition to your application, please be prepared to provide the following documents when applying:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Academic writing sample
  • Degree transcripts for all degrees

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