Eagle Era

How TAs build relationships, reduce teachers’ workloads, and foster meaningful conversations

By Jovina Zion Pradeep

In most classrooms at AHS, teacher assistants (TAs) quietly help teachers keep classes running smoothly while gaining the opportunity to learn how classrooms operate. 

TAs can be found not only in classrooms, but also in the library and the school office. The process of becoming a TA at AHS typically involves filling out a form, receiving approval from the teacher or staff member whom a student hopes to assist, and demonstrating strong academic standing and behavior. 

English 12 teacher Mr. Demartini said his TAs often help score small daily assignments that encourage students to keep up with the class. These assignments motivate students to do the reading. If I had to read every single one every day, I would get nothing else accomplished,” he said. “TAs free up my attention for lesson design and grading major essays where my experience is more valuable.” 

Sophia Huang (11), one of his TAs, explained that her daily tasks include grading papers, organizing class materials, and delivering items to other teachers. “It’s a nice feeling, knowing you’re helping the class run more smoothly and taking some stress off the teacher,” said Huang.

Students like Janice Eom (10), who have been in classes with TAs, notice the impact that TAs can have in the classroom. “I think they help students worry less about getting their grades back on time because there are two people getting things graded,” said Eom. 

While most teachers have TAs, not every classroom relies on them. AP World History and AP US History teacher Mr. Kaeding, who does not have any TAs, said he adapted his curriculum to rely on digital tools to perform many of the tasks that his TAs once handled. “I assign a lot of work digitally through Google Classroom,” Mr. Kaeding said. “Having a TA might make me more inclined to do complex activities that involve lots of setup.” 

“If you’re not comfortable talking to certain people as an assistant, you have to learn to get over that. We interact with teachers, students, vice principals, the principal, custodians, and every kind of person on campus,” said Pauls (Photo Credit: Jovina Zion Pradeep (12)).

While teachers appreciate how TAs often take on tasks that lighten their workloads, many teachers also value the relationships they build with their TAs throughout the school year. “It’s cool to have a student you can just chat with on the side,” Mr. Demartini said. “It’s an opportunity to connect with students in a different way.” 

Roshan Pauls (12), who is an office TA, said his decision to apply for the role was influenced by the opportunity to spend time with familiar staff on campus. “I grew a deeper bond with my counselors when asking about my future plans in college, so I wanted to become an office assistant to see them more often,” said Pauls.

Pauls also described his experiences of connecting with students he might otherwise not have met as memorable. “You interact with new people and improve your communication skills,” said Pauls. “I once met a student from Egypt, which is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and now he’s teaching me Egyptian Arabic.” 

Pauls said, “I think every day as a TA is fulfilling because it’s a blessing to help people.”