Philosophy Teaching Assistant

Industry:
Education
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

Are you interested in pursuing a career in education and are passionate about philosophy? A Philosophy Teaching Assistant job description might be a perfect fit for you! As a Philosophy Teaching Assistant, your main responsibility is to support the professor in charge of the course. This includes helping to lead discussions and working with students individually or in groups.

In this role, you'll be able to gain valuable experience in the field of education while also building your knowledge of philosophy. In order to be successful, you should have a strong grasp of the subject matter and be able to communicate effectively with students. You'll need to have excellent organizational skills and be able to keep up with deadlines and grading.

Overall, a Philosophy Teaching Assistant job description provides an exciting opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in education as you'll play a crucial role in the classroom while further developing your skills and knowledge of philosophy.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist the philosophy professor in preparing lectures and materials for class.
  • Help grade papers and assignments, providing feedback to students on how to improve.
  • Lead discussions in small group settings, allowing for deeper exploration of philosophical concepts.
  • Provide individual tutoring to students who need extra help understanding material.
  • Act as a role model for students, exhibiting a love for learning and critical thinking.
  • Help organize class events such as field trips or guest lectures.
  • Attend staff meetings and training sessions to further develop skills in teaching and communication.
  • Respond promptly to student emails and questions, providing support and guidance outside of classroom hours.
  • Encourage students to be thoughtful and inquisitive, emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions and exploring new ideas.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be a Philosophy Teaching Assistant, it's important to have a good educational background and some teaching experience. You'll usually need a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or a related subject, but some places might require a Master's degree. You should be able to demonstrate a passion for the subject and a good understanding of the main concepts and ideas. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be helping students with their coursework, answering questions, and leading discussions about the philosophical ideas they're learning about. All in all, you need a strong combination of educational knowledge, teaching ability, and passion for philosophy to excel in this role.

Salary Range

As a Philosophy Teaching Assistant in the Education industry, you can expect a salary range of $20,000 to $60,000 per year in the United States. The median salary for this position is around $36,000 per year. In other countries like the United Kingdom, the salary range is similar, with an average of £18,000 to £23,000 per year. This salary range varies depending on the level of education and the employer. Those who work for larger universities tend to earn more than those who work for smaller colleges. It is possible to negotiate a higher salary based on experience, skills, and education level. 

Sources:

  1. PayScale, "Philosophy Teaching Assistant Salary" https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=TeachingAssistant,Postsecondary%2FHigher_Education/Salary/7677e142/Philosophy
  2. Glassdoor, "Philosophy Teaching Assistant Salaries" https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/philosophy-teaching-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm
  3. Prospects, "Higher education lecturer: Salary" https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/higher-education-lecturer/salary

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a Philosophy Teaching Assistant in the Education industry over the next 5 years is mostly staying the same. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of graduate teaching assistants is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, the job outlook varies by location and institution, so it's important to research specific employers and regions.

It's worth noting that Philosophy Teaching Assistants may also have opportunities in related fields. For example, a Philosophy degree can be valuable in law or journalism. Additionally, some schools may have more demand for Philosophy classes than others, which could affect the need for Teaching Assistants.

Overall, the job outlook for Philosophy Teaching Assistants is generally positive, but it's important to stay informed about specific opportunities and industries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Philosophy Teaching Assistant do?

A: A Philosophy Teaching Assistant helps professors with a variety of tasks, including grading assignments, leading discussion sections, and assisting students with questions.

Q: What qualifications do I need to become a Philosophy Teaching Assistant?

A: You typically need to have completed a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or a related field with high grades, and be currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program in Philosophy. Some experience teaching or tutoring can also be helpful.

Q: How much do Philosophy Teaching Assistants get paid?

A: The pay for Philosophy Teaching Assistants varies depending on the institution and location. On average, they earn between $10 and $25 per hour.

Q: What skills do I need to be successful as a Philosophy Teaching Assistant?

A: You should have strong communication and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. Additionally, you should be organized, patient, and able to work independently.

Q: What opportunities for career advancement can I expect as a Philosophy Teaching Assistant?

A: As a Philosophy Teaching Assistant, you may have the opportunity to secure a full-time teaching position, or to move into academic administration. Additionally, the experience and skills you gain as a TA can be helpful in pursuing other careers, such as law or publishing.


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