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Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Aztec, NM (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Assistant Instructor information

See Aztec, NM salary details

$4

$16

$27

How much do graduate assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant instructor in Aztec, NM is $16.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Aztec, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Aztec, NM are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Aztec, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,547 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor of Information Technology (Kirtland Instructional Site)

Farmington, NM โ€ข On-site

Navajo Technical University
51 - 200 employees

$900/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

JOB PURPOSE:
Assists with Instruction and facilitates a meaningful and effective learning experience of the course competencies in the classroom, fieldwork, and laboratory settings under the close supervision of a faculty member. Position is subject to all terms of the employment contract. Graduate assistants are responsible for organizing undergraduate events, supervising residence assistants, assisting with check-ins and check-outs for each semester and co-authoring research papers with their professors, among other duties. Graduate assistants will need to periodically lecture classes and administer meetings, requiring a demonstrated history of leadership positions in student societies.
This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assisting professors and departments with various administrative tasks.
  • Organizing undergraduate events.
  • Finding information in libraries.
  • Researching internet sources.
  • Conducting various research experiments and analyzing data.
  • Designing research methodologies or populating literature reviews.
  • Undertaking various fieldwork research.
  • Co-authoring research papers with their professors.
  • Attending seminars and periodically lecturing classes.
  • Assuming the role of teaching assistant and assisting with teaching material.
  • Assisting their professor with grading papers.
  • Conducting building staff meetings.
  • Supervising Residence Assistants and assisting with check-ins and check-outs for each semester.
  • Administering performance evaluations of student staff.
  • Assisting with the management of ceremonies and campus events.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Supervises students during laboratory work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
  • M.S. in Information Technology or a related field.
  • Two years teaching experience in field of study.
  • Professional excellence, community service and/or publication.
  • Valid and clean state driver's license.
  • Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions, or transfers of individuals into this position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and
  • Knowledge of field of
  • Knowledge of techniques and practices in
  • Knowledge of University policies and
  • Knowledge of instructional policies and
  • Skilled in operating computers and office
  • Ability to write reports and business
  • Ability to organize and express ideas, directions, and data in a logical sequence to describe a process or explain procedures such as how to perform a task to
  • Ability to present materials effectively to individual students or
  • Ability to manage interpersonal conflict situations requiring tact, diplomacy and
  • Ability to work independently and meet strict
  • Ability to oversee the work of
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.
  • Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both
  • Have excellent auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications
  • The employee must occasionally lift and carry up to 25

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Work is typically performed within an office, classroom or
  • Situations occur where surgical masks, safety goggles, gloves and protective face shields may occur.
  • Tight time constraints and multiple demands are
  • Evening and/or weekend work may be Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.