1

Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Normal, IL

Graduate Assistant Instructor information

See Normal, IL salary details

$5

$19

$32

How much do graduate assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant instructor in Normal, IL is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, and why are they important?

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 are Graduate Assistant Instructors?

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 is a graduate teaching assistant's salary?

A graduate teaching assistant's salary typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 per academic year, depending on the institution, location, and whether they are full-time or part-time. GAs often receive additional benefits such as tuition waivers or stipends to support their graduate studies while assisting with teaching responsibilities.

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.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Normal, IL are:
GA Teaching - Mathematics Education (Doctoral) - Fall 2026/Spring 2027

GA Teaching - Mathematics Education (Doctoral) - Fall 2026/Spring 2027

Illinois State University

Normal, IL • On-site

$1.70K/wk

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Illinois State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

GA Teaching - Mathematics Education (Doctoral) - Fall 2026/Spring 2027
Job no: 521575
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: GA Teaching - Mathematics Education (Doctoral) - Fall 2026/Spring 2027
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Mathematics
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
Graduate teaching assistants are generally assigned to individual faculty members to assist with or provide course instruction. The nature of the assistance varies by discipline and can involve a variety of activities, such as:
1. Serve as a primary or secondary teaching instructor in a class or laboratory.
2. Assist a faculty member with teaching-related tasks.
3. Grading and providing constructive feedback to students to help improve their academic performance
4. Meet with and/or tutor students, hold office hours, prepare instructional materials, and assist or provide instruction during class and/or laboratory.
5. Foster a positive learning environment by encouraging active participation and respectful discussions.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$1,696
Required Qualifications
1. B.S. degree in mathematics education, education, mathematics, or other related fields
2. Master's degree in mathematics education, education, mathematics, or other related fields
3. International students must have shown good academic and communication skills.
4. Eligible for appointment as per the requirements in the Graduate Assistant Handbook, which can be found at http://hr.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/GA_Handbook.pdf
5. Doctoral degree-seeking graduate student at Illinois State University in the Department of Mathematics
Preferred Qualifications
1. Previous teaching experience with students ages 5-18
Work Hours
20 per week
Proposed Starting Date
08-16-2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Statement of Interest
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Applicants are required to provide a statement of interest addressing the following: (1) previous mathematics teaching experience as the instructor of record; (2) previous experience working with diverse student populations and/or in varied educational settings; and (3) preparation or interest to become, a mathematics teacher educator, including work with preservice or inservice teachers, facilitation of professional learning, or engagement in mathematics education research and teacher development.
Priority is given to those with complete applications as of April 6, 2026. Finalists for graduate teaching positions will have an interview with the Department of Mathematics.
Benefits for Graduate Assistants can be found in the Graduate Assistant Handbook.
Note: If you have not yet been assigned a University ID, but are interested in applying for this graduate assistantship, please proceed with the graduate assistant application process. For the first question regarding your University ID, simply enter in nine (9) zeros (e.g., 000000000).
You must be eligible for employment in the United States and at Illinois State University and/or for the number of hours required for the position.
Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held. International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work up to 28 hours per week when the university is not in session. Please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for guidance on visa restrictions on work hours. The University cannot grant exceptions to visa status rules/laws.
Contact Information for Applicants
Dr. Amanda Cullen, Associate Chair of Graduate Student Development, Mathematics Department
Email: almille@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
Application Opened: 04/03/2026 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Illinois State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom