International Teaching Assistants Program

FAQs for Departments and Faculty

How do I know if my students will be able to teach before they arrive?
You can check the students’ speaking section scores on the TOEFL iBT.  Follow these guidelines.

SPEAK	TOEFL iBT Speaking Section	Teaching Assignment
50 or above	26 or above	Certified in Spoken English to teach at all levels (1-8). English courses not required.
45	23-25*	Can teach at levels 1 & 2 w/o taking English courses. Can teach at levels 3 &4 if also enrolled in English courses.
40 or below	Below 22*	Cannot teach at any level. English class required if student expected to perform TA duties in the future.  Students will need at least 4 semesters of instruction.

* Students are required to take SPEAK upon arrival on campus to determine TA level/ appointment and English courses, if necessary. 

Level 1: Grader
Level 2: Proctor for Computerized Exams and Laboratories
Level 3: Lab section
Level 4: Recitation/discussion section
Level 5: Lower-level course
Level 6: Liberal studies course
Level 7: Upper-level non-major non-liberal studies course
Level 8: Upper-level major course

Note:  Course level types 5-8 presume the teaching assistant is providing the primary instruction in the course.

Some of my students scored 40 on SPEAK and are not eligible to teach this semester.  How can we help them?
These students will need a great deal of instruction and support as they work to improve their English.  These students should enroll in the English classes as soon as they arrive. From past experience, we know that these students will be in our program at least 4 semesters.  Once students are in the program you can:

• Emphasize to the students the importance of speaking English as much as possible.
• Ask them to work on group projects or activities with students who do not speak their native language.
• Encourage them to participate in campus activities. The International Center offers conversation classes and many informal opportunities for students to practice English.