Graduate Teaching Assistant - Communication Media
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, include the following attachments:
A cover letter addressing the position and your qualifications, specifically addressing these prompts:
- How do you think your academic background informs your teaching of
communication? - What are some teaching experiences you have? What was your role within those experiences? What are some things that you learned from them that you would bring next time you're in a classroom?
- Tell us about a difficult situation you had as part of a teaching experience. How did you handle it? How was that situation resolved? What did you learn from that situation that would inform your teaching in the future
- What might be your top three learning goals for students in the Fundamentals of Communication course?
- How would teaching introductory communication courses assist you in
accomplishing your professional goals?
A resume / curriculum vitae
- Connects how your previous academic experience relates to communication and media
- Connects how your previous professional experience relates to communication and media
A link to a recorded video of a teaching or performance coaching demonstration that accomplishes the following goals:
- Identifies a concept related to communication and media
- Explains the importance of this concept to an undergraduate student’s
understanding of communication and media - Demonstrates your ability to convey that concept clearly and succinctly, and
- Runs less than 10 minutes.
The materials submitted along with your application for admission to the program will also be considered when determining graduate assistantship appointments. Email your assistantship application to Dr. Heather McIntosh: heather.mcintosh@mnsu.edu.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 3/1/2027
POSITION START DATE: 8/8/2027
RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Department of Communication and Media is seeking on-campus / in-person Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) for the 2027-28 academic year. GTAs typically teach up to two sections of the basic communication course each semester and fulfill related instructional and departmental obligations (up to 20 hours per week). New GTAs must report for a one-week training / workshop beginning August 9, 2027. Classes begin August 23, 2027. International /
non-U.S. based GTAs are required to report to the university on August 2, 2027, in order to complete necessary government and employment paperwork.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Admission to a Communication and Media graduate program
- Strong English-language speaking and writing skills
- Demonstrated ability in academic writing
- Ability to work harmoniously with a variety of people representing diverse perspectives
- A bachelor's degree
- Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date.
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong interest in teaching communication to a variety of undergraduate student populations
- Prior coursework in communication and media
- Prior teaching experience
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment.
Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu.
Before being awarded an assistantship, applicants must be admitted to a graduate program in Communication and Media. Information on programs and admission requirements is available at https://grad.mnsu.edu/all-graduate-programs/communication-studies-ma/. Teaching assistantships are renewable for a second year, contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.
New first-year GTAs are required to enroll in a training seminar (COMM 603) that runs August 9-13, 2027, and continues meeting weekly during the fall and spring semesters.
CONTACT
Heather McIntosh, Professor and Graduate Studies Coordinator
Communication and Media
Minnesota State University, Mankato
NH 136
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 5073895522
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: heather.mcintosh@mnsu.edu
NOTICE:
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.