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Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the Engineering Fundamentals Program lead EF 151 and 152 labs, or lead EF 105 and EF 230 computer labs. GTAs are actively involved in student instruction, and need to have a desire to work with freshman engineering students. GTA assistantships are a 20 hour per week commitment. Applicants need to be aware of this commitment when planning their graduate program. In particular, first year students in the dual MS/MBA program often do not have sufficient time to meet the requirements of this assistantship. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the OPIc Test. GTAs must be full time graduate students in the Tickle College of Engineering with an undergraduate degree in Engineering. The assistantships carry a tuition waiver and stipend. Applicants are encouraged to explore the Engineering Fundamentals web site (http://ef.engr.utk.edu) to learn more about the courses. Here is a video describing the responsibilities.

Applications for the Fall semester will be reviewed beginning March 1 and will continue until all positions are filled.

Apply on-line for a GTA position*
*requires a UT NetID or a local EF account - create a local EF account.



The EF Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Award honors outstanding achievement in teaching by a graduate teaching assistant. Each semester EF instructors will select one outstanding graduate teaching assistant to receive the $300 award. Each recipient will be formally recognized by having their name added to the EF Outstanding GTA plaque.

The Award Winner will be chosen based on demonstration of excellence as evidenced by:

  • Receiving the highest student accolades
  • Enthusiasm for the subject
  • Exceptional knowledge about the material
  • Skilled at leading students through self-discovery of the material
  • Additional effort and hours above and beyond assigned responsibilities
  • Taking a leadership role in guiding other TA’s
  • Demonstrating exceptional willingness to help students before and after class, and outside of class
  • Being encouraging and invested in student success on an individual level
  • Being a valuable resource to students during projects

Past recipients of the Outstanding GTA Award are:

  • Spring 2015: Jakob Brisby
  • Fall 2015: Scott Poligone
  • Spring 2016: Stefy Stand
  • Fall 2016: Rachel Thompson
  • Spring 2017: Charlie Johnson
  • Fall 2017: Danny Splane
  • Spring 2018: Heather Kiger
  • Fall 2018: Stan Hunter
  • Spring 2019: Landon Pauls
  • Fall 2019: Clint Jordan
  • Spring 2020: Sonja Feck
  • Fall 2020: John Thress