Working with Instructional Assistants (IA)

Instructional Assistants (IAs) are staff members (UNIFOR, Unit 1, if applicable) and have a wide variety of skills and responsibilities across the university. Some support courses by managing course websites, student assessments and grading. Others coordinate large groups of TAs and help with training and coordinating their activities. Others still might build and maintain course materials for others or themselves to use in teaching a course. Regardless of their specific roles and responsibilities, IAs focus on one thing: the education of undergraduates. As a result, they are a valuable ally to have in your teaching journey. IAs will often have long histories within a department and can be a great place to start if you’re looking to connect with someone about teaching in your discipline.