UTK EF Graduate Teaching Assistantship Information and Application


Graduate Teaching Assistants in Engineering Fundamentals

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the Engineering Fundamentals Program serve as the primary facilitators of labs for engineering physics, numerical analysis, computer programming and professional skills development. GTAs work with faculty and undergraduate assistants to provide an active and hands-on learning environment with small class sections. GTAs are expected to have a strong desire to work with first-year students. GTAs must be excellent communicators, proactive in helping students, encouraging, and enthusiastic.

The University of Tennessee Engineering Fundamentals (EF) Program

Active Learning in EF

The EF program uses current research-based instructional strategies to support student success and retention. All courses use a flipped classroom format, where students review learning modules prior to coming to class. Classroom activities include collaborative problem solving in relevant engineering applications and hands-on labs and design projects. EF is housed in the Zeanah Engineering Complex. Teaching spaces include our collaborative learning classrooms with movable walls, shared screens, and team tables with quick access to our First Year Design Studio, Woodshop and ICS makerspace.

EF Curriculum

Applicants for Graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) are encouraged to explore the Engineering Fundamentals web site (https://engage.utk.edu/) to learn more about the courses.

EF program objectives:

Upon completion of EF coursework, UTK Engineering students should be able to:
  1. Make an informed decision about the engineering major they plan to pursue
  2. Apply fundamental physics and mathematics concepts to solve real-world engineering problems
  3. Describe strategies useful for effective team collaboration
  4. Describe, through written and/or oral communication, the use of the engineering design process to solve real-world engineering problems.

GTA Work Commitment and Academic Requirements

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.
During each semester of the appointment, Graduate Teaching Assistants must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours, be in good academic standing, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

GTA Typical Responsibilities

  • Manage and support 3-4 lab sections of 32-64 students for assigned class, meeting twice a week. Lead students through problem solving of relevant engineering applications. Facilitate group work, hands-on activities, and design projects.
  • Attend weekly instructor meetings
  • Hold weekly help sessions
  • Individual prep time for class
  • Grading, as assigned by lead faculty instructor

GTA Applicant Requirements

Applicants must abide by the following requirements to be considered for a position:
  • GTAs must be full time graduate students already admitted into the Tickle College of Engineering. Apply through the UT Graduate School.
  • Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in engineering, engineering physics, or computer science.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the OPIc Test with a score of Superior or Advanced High Oral Proficiency to be eligible for an interview. Contact your admitting TCE department to schedule the test (more info).

GTA Compensation

Assistantship compensation includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver. Tuition waivers include mandatory fees and differential tuition, if applicable.

GTA Applications and Hiring Process

Applications for the Fall semester will be reviewed beginning February 12 and will continue until all positions are filled. Highly qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.


Link to apply on-line for a GTA position



EF Outstanding GTA Award

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 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:

  • Jakob Brisby
  • Scott Poligone
  • Stefy Stand
  • Rachel Thompson
  • Charlie Johnson
  • Danny Splane
  • Heather Kiger
  • Stan Hunter
  • Landon Pauls
  • Clint Jordan
  • Sonja Feck
  • John Thress
  • Jonathan West
  • Corey Johnson
  • Joshua Fagan
  • Joey Reilman
  • Matthew Whisenant
  • Daniel Woods
  • Chase Blackwell