Recruiting your LAs

Learning Assistants play a critical role in creating a positive and safe learning environment. Therefore it is imperative that faculty-LA teams are built with care. An effective LA team includes an array of identities and experiences which mirror those of the students taking the class. As LAs work with faculty on a weekly basis in class and in planning meeting, they often bring to light the student perspectives. Having a diverse group of LAs will provide rich and diverse feedback on instruction and effective ways to support students. Below we provide some guidance for how to recruit LAs:

How to build your LA team 

  • Get to know your students
    • Build a community in your classroom that allows students to feel comfortable reaching out to you and your LAs
    • Ask your current LAs about students that they think would make good LAs
  • Apply
    • Apply for the LA Provost Initiative to receive funding to support your LAs 
  • Invite and Select
    • Advertise that you are looking for LAs to the entire class and encourage interested students to reach out to you. Use this LA recruiting email script to invite ALL your students to become LAs.
    • Who to invite:
      • Interest – Select students who are truly interested in helping others and are excited about the course.
      • Schedule – Select students that are not overcommitted (e.g., take less than 15 credits a semester).
      • Inclusivity – Students that have shown signs of improvement (they can support future students who have difficulties), students who have excelled in the course, students who are eager to learn.  
      • Diversity- Creating a meaningful dialog in the classroom requires a multitude of voices and experiences. Your LA team should represent all of these voices.
  • Interview Students
    • Be sure to meet with students who are interested in working with you as an LA for a brief interview. During this interview, outline the expectations and responsibilities of the LA position including the desired skills, experience, and hours needed to complete their LA work effectively. Below is a list of the general commitments for all LAs.
  • Hiring
    • Follow up with LAs to ensure that they have completed HR paperwork, enrolled in LA seminar, and if they are available for your weekly planning meeting and course. For more information, please visit the LA Hiring Process page HERE.

LA commitments 

  • LA Seminar 
    • All new LAs are required to take the LA seminar (SMT 3931) during their first semester as an LA. LA seminar is a pedagogy course that covers various aspects of teaching that LAs use to support students.
  • Planning Meeting 
    • Choose a time for weekly planning meetings and ask students to confirm availability.
  • Attendance 
    • LAs are required to prepare for and attend every class session and planning meeting.
  • Additional Duties  
    • Optional outside of class office hours and/or LA-lead review sessions
    • Individual LA preparation 

The LA Hiring Process

To be able to understand the LA hiring steps and support your LAs, please visit the LA Hiring Process page HERE.

International LAs follow a slightly different approach to the hiring process. Be sure to direct them to the Office of International Student and Scholar Service to ensure their eligibility to work on campus.