Learning Assistant Program
Get involved with this innovative program that benefits students, teachers, and their courses.
About the Learning Assistant Program
The Learning Assistant (LA) Program engages undergraduates in classroom teaching and learning while helping them develop their leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. At Rutgers–New Brunswick, the LA program is a partnership between the Learning Centers and several academic departments.
Learning assistants are important members of the instructional team and promote active learning, incorporate innovative educational practices into the classroom, and improve student retention. The benefits to faculty, students, and the learning assistant themselves are clear.
An International Model
Our LA program proudly follows an internationally recognized model developed at the University of Colorado and is a member of the Learning Assistant Alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion Content
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Learning assistants provide help and assist in the classroom in various ways, including:
- Facilitating discussions and workshops during lectures
- Team-teaching recitation or laboratory sections with a graduate teaching assistant
- Independently leading supplemental study groups or recitations
They lead and facilitate discussion with small groups of students in lectures, recitations, labs, or study group sessions and are assigned to about 160 minutes of contact time with students each week during the semester (exact time may vary based on assignment).
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Candidates should be in good academic standing and have successfully completed the course for which they will serve as a learning assistant. The ability to work with small groups and good administrative skills are required.
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Yes, LAs are student employees of Rutgers University and are paid on average $1,500 per semester.
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- Participation in the program helps LAs develop communication and group facilitation skills.
- Learning assistants work closely with faculty and staff in their fields.
- Learning assistants have a unique opportunity to work with and help other students succeed in their courses.
- Learning assistants can take advantage of various campus opportunities to become involved in the university learning community.
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- Learning assistants must co-enroll in a 3-credit, 300-level pedagogy course, "Pedagogy of Peer-Led Instruction," during their first semester as an LA, and subsequent participation in the LA program is contingent upon successful completion of this course.
- In the pedagogy course, LAs learn to facilitate learning and engage students in scientific discourse, rather than act as experts who have knowledge that needs to be transmitted to the student. Course topics include learning theory, cooperative learning, questioning techniques, and activity design.
- Learning assistants are required to participate in peer leader trainings and ongoing professional development workshops each semester during their participation in the LA program.
Training Info for Current LAs - Learning assistants receive feedback through observations and student surveys to help them improve their teaching methods.
- Learning assistants must co-enroll in a 3-credit, 300-level pedagogy course, "Pedagogy of Peer-Led Instruction," during their first semester as an LA, and subsequent participation in the LA program is contingent upon successful completion of this course.
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Learn more about the "Pedagogy of Peer-Led Learning" and other resources for peer leaders.
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- Learning assistants must attend weekly staff meetings led by faculty teaching their assigned course.
- Learning assistants may participate in assessment activities, helping to collect or provide data to improve or develop the program and other academic support services at Rutgers.
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Explore the list of courses we are currently partnering with.
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Applications for LA positions are accepted at the beginning of each semester.
How to Apply
The LA application for 2025 - 2026 Academic Year positions open on February 10th and officially close at 11:59pm on February 23rd.
Please click here to apply:
https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blrfgyra3U6H1no
Group Interviews
Please Note: Applicants will be notified via email if they advance to the interview stage of the LA Program hiring process. Applicants who are invited to an interview will be added to a Penji site to facilitate group interview sign-ups. Sign-ups for interviews occur on a first-come, first-serve basis and close 48 hours before each interview starts. Interview sessions are limited to 16-20 participants.
Job Offers
Applicants who are eligible for LA positions for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year will be informed of their application status via email starting in March.
If you applied for a position and didn't receive an email about your status during that period, please contact us.
Benefits of Becoming an Learning Assistant
Practice:
- Learning assistants have a unique opportunity to work with and help their peers succeed in their courses.
Pedagogical Training:
- Through the training provided, our Learning Assistants learn how to teach and in doing so, become better learners themselves. In the required pedagogy course and professional development workshops, LAs gain an understanding of how learning works and can use that knowledge to improve your success in any course you take.
- The teaching skills that LAs learn through our training program will help you in your future career. Even if you choose to go into a field not related to education, you will acquire communication, leadership, and mentorship skills that are important in many career fields.
Mentorship:
- Learning assistants work closely with faculty and staff in their fields.
Additional Benefits:
- On top of all of the skills and experience you will gain; you will be paid bi-weekly for your work throughout the semester
Expectations of LAs
The following expectations are set to maintain in alignment with the national LA model and to ensure effective training and mentorship for all students participating in our program.
Practice
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LAs are expected to treat all of their peers with kindness and respect.
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LAs can interact with peers in different settings, in-class through lab, lecture, or recitations, or in independently led study groups.
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LAs are expected to promote a safe, inclusive learning environment in these settings.
Pedagogical Training
- First-semester LAs
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Complete the New Peer Leader Orientation Asynchronous Module on Canvas and participate in a series of four synchronous in-person or online modules (A, B, C, and D) prior to the start of class.
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Co-enroll in a 3-credit, 300-level pedagogy course, "Pedagogy of Peer-Led Instruction," and subsequent participation in the LA program is contingent upon successful completion of this course.
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Join the LA program Canvas site for the current semester. Contact learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu to join the site.
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Complete 1 professional development workshop before the end of the semester
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Receive feedback through observations and student surveys to help improve teaching methods.
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- Returning LAs
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Complete the Returning Peer Leader Orientation Asynchronous Module on Canvas and participate in two synchronous in-person or online modules (C and D).
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Join the LA program Canvas site for the current semester. Contact learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu to join the site.
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Complete 2 professional development workshops (at least 1 must be completed in the first half of the semester)
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Receive feedback through observations and student surveys to help improve teaching methods.
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Mentorship:
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Weekly Staff Meeting requirement
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Meet at least for 1 hour per week with your faculty mentor
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This is the space for you to learn more about the expectations of the course, receive and give feedback to your faculty mentor, and interact with other LAs (if you have them in your course)
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Professionalism:
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LAs attend all sections and meeting times assigned to them. If unable to attend a class time (in person or remote), due to health or other emergencies, you should contact the LA program Staff immediately (learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu)
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Submit timesheets on a weekly basis
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Respond to correspondences from LA Program Staff supervisors within 24 hours. Prompt and professional communication is essential for your success in this program.
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LAs may not solicit their students (i.e. sell products), nor work as a paid tutor for students from their current LA position.
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LAs spend at least 30 minutes/week individually preparing for their student interactions.
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LAs are expected to follow and enforce all campus policies related to health and safety.
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For further information please visit our Pedagogy and Peer Leader Training resource page.
Current Partner Courses
The LA program partners with courses across Rutgers–New Brunswick campuses, including courses within different schools at Rutgers.
Accordion Content
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- 01:146:356 - Systems Physiology
- 01:160:128 - Chemistry of Life
- 01:160:159/160 - General Chemistry I & II for Engineers
- 01:160:165/166 - Extended General Chemistry 1 and 2 (Fall24/Spring 25)
- 01:198:111 - Introduction to Computer Science
- 01:198:112 - Data Structures
- 01:220:320 - Intermediate Microeconomics
- 01:447:390 - General Microbiology Lab
- 01:450:101 - Earth Systems
- 01:640:025 - Elementary Algebra
- 01:640:026 - Intermediate Algebra
- 01:640:103 - Topics in Math for Liberal Arts
- 01:640:104 - Introduction to Probability
- 01:640:106 - Mathematics of Money
- 01:640:111 - PreCalculus I
- 01:640:112 - PreCalculus II
- 01:640:115 - Precalculus College Mathematics
- 01:640:115 - Precalculus College Mathematics
- 01:640:123 - Preparation for Calculus
- 01:640:135 - Calculus I for Life and Social Sciences
- 01:640:151/152 - Calculus I (fall) and II (spring) for Mathematical and Physical Science
- 01:640:152/151 - Calculus II (fall) and I (spring) for Math and the Physical Sciences
- 01:640:157/158 - Calculus I/II for Mathematical and Physical Sciences Practicum
- 01:640:300 - Intro Math Reasoning
- 01:750:115 - Extended Analytical Physics
- 01:750:123 - Analytical Physics IA
- 01:750:161 - Elements of Physics
- 01:750:193 - Physics for the Sciences
- 01:750:202 - Extended General Physics
- 01:750:203 - General Physics
- 01:750:204 - General Physics
- 01:750:205 - General Physics lab
- 01:750:206 - General Physics lab
- 01:750:227 - Analytical Physics IIA
- 01:750:228 - Analytical Physics IIB
- 01:750:229 - Analytical Physics IIA lab
- 01:750:230 - Analytical Physics IIB lab
- 01:790:106 - Law and Politics
- 01:790:300 - Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
- 01:830:123 - Soul Beliefs
- 01:830:340 - Psychopathology
- 11:020:210 - Intro to Agriculture and Food Systems
- 11:115:403/404 - General Biochemistry
- 11:550:133 - Architectural Design
- 11:680:390 - General Microbiology
- 14:155:201 - Chemical Engineering Material and Energy Balances
- 14:155:303 - Transport Phenomena I
- 14:155:309 - Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics II
- 14:155:415 - Process Engineering Laboratory I
- 14:440:101/102 - Introduction to Data-Driven Design for Engineering Applications
- 14:440:115 - Reilly DELLC Introduction to Engineering
- 14:440:222 - Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics
- 14:540:343 - Engineering Economics
- 14:650:361 - Introduction to Mechatronics
- 33:136:370 - Management Information Systems
Past Partner Courses
Accordion Content
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- 013:162/163 Elementary Urdu
- 146:356 Systems Physiology
- 160:159/160 General Chemistry for Engineers
- 160:307/308 Organic Chemistry
- 198:111 Introduction to Computer Science
- 220:320 Intermediate Microeconomics Analysis
- 447:354 Implications of the New Genetics
- 447:390 General Microbiology
- 460:305 Evolution and Geological Time
- 640:103 Topics in Math for Liberal Arts
- 640:104 Introduction to Probability
- 640:107 Number & Operation for K-8 Teaching
- 640:115 Precalculus for Engineers
- 640:123 Preparation for Calculus
- 640:151 Calculus for Math and Sciences I
- 640:152 Calculus for Math and Sciences II
- 640:291/292 Honors Calculus III/IV
- 640:300 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
- 640:311 Introduction to Real Analysis I
- 730:201 Introduction to Logic
- 750:115/116 Extended Analytical Physics
- 750:123 Analytical Physics IA
- 750:124 Analytical Physics IB
- 750:193/194 Physics for the Sciences
- 750:205 General Physics Laboratory IA
- 750:206 General Physics Laboratory IB
- 750:227 Analytical Physics IIA
- 750:228 Analytical Physics IIB
- 750:229 Analytical Physics Laboratory IIA
- 750:230 Analytical Physics Laboratory IIB
- 750:323 Advanced General Physics I
- 790:300 Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
- 830:340 Abnormal Psychology
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090:125 Honors College Forum
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- 125:306 Biomedical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
- 155:201 Chemical Engineering Material and Energy Balances
- 155:208 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I
- 155:210 Biological Foundations of Chemical Engineering
- 155:303 Transport Phenomena in Chemical Engineering I
- 155:304 Transport Phenomena in Chemical Engineering II
- 155:307 Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering
- 155:309 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics II
- 155:324 Design of Separation Processes
- 155:341 Chemical Engineering Kinetics
- 155:415/416 Process Engineering Lab
- 155:427/428 Chemical Engineering Design
- 180:387 Fluid Mechanics
- 440:115 DELLC Introduction to Engineering
- 440:127 Introduction to Computers for Engineers (MATLAB)
- 540:210 Engineering Probability
- 540:343 Engineering Economics
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- 115:301 Introductory Biochemistry
- 115:403/404 General Biochemistry
- 550:133 Architectural Design
- 550:230 Environmental Design Analysis
- 680:390 General Microbiology
LA Program Calendar Overview
Fall 2024
Major dates for applications, orientations, evaluations organized by semester:
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9/10 - Study group registration opens
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9/17 - Study groups begin
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- 10/14 - Spring 2025 LA Applications open
- 10/21 - Mid-Semester LA Evaluations open
- 11/1 - Mid-Semester LA Evaluations close
- 10/25 - Spring 2025 LA Applications close at 11:59pm
- 10/30 - First day of LA Interviews
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- 11/6 - Last day of LA Interviews
- 11/25 - End of Semester LA Evaluations open
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- 12/4 - End of Semester LA Evaluations close
- 12/2 - End of Semester LAP Feedback Surveys open
- 12/13 - End of Semester LAP Feedback Surveys close
Who to Contact for Help
| For Questions About: | Contact: |
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| How to get paid, hiring, and pay | LA Program Staff: learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Questions about the LA Pedagogy course or LA Professional Development information, including registering, cancelling, or switching sections | Peer Leader Training: pltraining@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Questions about LA Program policies, training, and expectations | LA Program Staff: learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Questions/concerns about interactions with other LAs and/or students | LA Program Staff: learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Questions/concerns about interactions with lead faculty | LA Program Staff: learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Weekly prep meeting time, course material, and/or expectations for supporting students in your assigned course | Your Lead Faculty, as listed in your final schedule link |
The Learning Assistant Experience
Rutgers' LA program follows an international model that ensures every experience includes the following:
- Authentic Classroom Practice: Learning assistants should be engaged in student-centered learning and able to apply their pedagogical training to facilitating cooperative learning of small groups. In many ways, LAs are analogous to student teachers and require authentic teaching experiences.
Learning assistants should be viewed as pedagogical agents of the course and can be included in development of course materials including worksheets, classroom exercises, and homework or quiz questions. The LA model can be customized to meet the needs of any course, with LAs participating in a number of important ways. These include being embedded in the classroom to facilitate group activities during scheduled lecture, lab or recitation sections, and leading study groups outside of class time. LAs cannot grade, proctor, or hold one-on-one office hours. -
Pedagogical Training: All LAs are required to take our "Pedagogy of Peer-Led Instruction" course to learn about pedagogical techniques that can be directly applied to their classroom practices. The students gain an understanding of different learning theories and take time to reflect on how these theories play out in their own classroom experiences.
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Mentorship: Faculty mentorship is critical to successful implementation of the LA model, providing content knowledge and context to the LAs. This mentorship works in both directions, because faculty have extensive experience to help guide the LAs while the LAs offer student perspectives and pedagogical training. We are committed to positive mentorship and request that mentors:
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Meet with LAs for at least one hour each week to prepare the LAs for the coming week
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Give the LAs feedback on their performance in the classroom and/or any course materials the LAs create
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Reflect on course materials and student engagement
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Get Involved
If you are interested in the LA program, please reach out to discuss potential opportunities and strategies for partnering with us and utilizing learning assistants in your course to help facilitate active and collaborative learning.
How to Apply for LAs
Application
To receive LA support in your classroom, faculty members must submit the Learning Assistant Program Faculty Application linked below.
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The application for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year is now open and will close on December 13th, 2024, at 11:59pm.
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If you are interested in applying for LA support in your course, please click here to complete the application.
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Once your application is received, it will be reviewed for LA funding eligibility by the Office of the Provost and each school's Dean's Office.
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Final decisions will be provided to faculty in January of 2024.
If you have any questions about the faculty application process, please reach out to the Director of Integrated Academic Support Programs at deanna.acosta@rutgers.edu.
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The Office of the Provost and each school's dean's office will review to determine appropriate funding sources and ultimately determine whether or not a course will be supported.
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All courses approved for LA support will be included as options in the LA Application
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LA Recruitment
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Faculty are integral to the recruitment process; we highly encourage you to actively recruit students to apply for a position in your course
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The LA Program will provide flyers and information necessary to get students to apply for positions
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Once applications close, LA Program staff conduct a preliminary review of applicants
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Applications that pass preliminary review are then sent to faculty to review and rank
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Highly ranked applicants are then invited to participate in the LA Program Group Interviews
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In the Group Interviews, candidates are evaluated for communication skills, group facilitation skills, group participation skills, and their overall understanding of the role of a Learning Assistant
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All faculty are highly encouraged to participate in the group interview process as observers, this is a great opportunity to see how candidates engage and to learn more about the program. Please reach out to the Director if you are interested in participating.
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Important Dates
Important dates and timelines:
“S” means for Spring semester only hiring and “AY” represents the hiring for the full academic year.
Additional Resources
- The Learning Assistant Alliance website provides resources for LA Program Faculty