Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistants will assist a course’s primary instructor(s) in teaching a course in the Immersion or Summer Online programs for precollege (academically advanced high school) students. These 100-unit courses are taught in an intensive, condensed format; they are designed specifically for academic advanced high school students ready to tackle undergraduate-level material and assignments, and feature both traditional (e.g., lecture, discussion) and experiential (e.g., labs, small group projects) learning activities.
Courses are taught in one of two formats:
- An intensive three-week format (June 15-July 2 or July 7-23, 2026) that meets in-person Monday through Friday, from 9am to 3pm, with a lunch break from 11:30am to 1pm.
- An intensive three-week format (July 7-23, 2026) that is remotely taught, with synchronous class sessions held Monday through Friday, for two hours in the morning or evening and asynchronous materials such as pre-recorded lectures made available via Canvas.
There is no reading or exam period for these courses; any final exams or presentations would be given during the last class session. Classes are not held on June 19 (Juneteenth) or on July 3 (observance of Independence Day,) both University holidays.
All employees must have current authorization to work in the United States. Offer contingent on successful completion of a background check. All instructors and teaching assistants must also comply with the University of Chicago’s Minors on Campus policies.
Compensation
Teaching Assistant during Summer Session 2026 shall be paid $3,710 per Immersion course or $3,190 per Summer Online course.
Responsibilities:
- Attend all class sessions
- Plan and lead activities such as discussion sections, labs, review sessions, and writing workshops under the supervision of the course instructor(s)
- Assist with grading assignments and exams, including reviewing and commenting on them and entering them in Canvas, and recommend grades
- Hold office hours as directed by course instructor(s)
- Administrative tasks – for example, using Canvas, answering emails, setting up equipment, managing reserved readings – as requested by the course instructor(s)
- Read all assigned materials
- Participate in any meetings organized by the Summer Session Office or instructor(s)
- Bring to the attention of Summer Session staff any matters related to student attendance, progress, or other areas of concern
- Completion of mandatory training related to the Safety of Children in University Programs
Required skills and abilities:
- Documented excellence in pedagogy and course content
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Willingness to learn and adhere to Summer Session and UChicago policies
Experience and education:
- Current UChicago graduate students (MA or PhD) in course-related field preferred, but current UChicago undergraduates, recent alumna/e, staff, and external candidates with course-related training may apply
- Prior teaching experience (including teaching assistantships) in course-related field at the university or four-year college level preferred
- Previous experience working with high school students or in an intensive summer program preferred, but not required
- Graduate student candidates must consult their department or committee chair or director of undergraduate studies about the suitability of your teaching as it relates to your academic plan.
How to apply
- Our instructional employment webpage contains the list of course offerings in which we have openings, including the required materials and the name of the designated hiring manager for each course: https://summer.uchicago.edu/summer-employment/
The links below provide descriptions of the Immersion and Summer Online programs; please see individual course listings for course dates, meeting times, and other details.
Immersion: https://summer.uchicago.edu/pre-college/pre-college/3-week-immersion/
Summer Online: https://summer.uchicago.edu/pre-college/pre-college/summer-online/
2. Submit an application to the Hiring Manager. Your cover letter should address the specific course for which they are listed, as well as your qualifications to teach that course. Courses will be listed and the page will be updated, as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.