Teaching Experiences in Psychology

Psychology students can engage in hands-on teaching experiences that provide numerous benefits. Explore the many benefits below!

 

  • Deepens subject mastery 
  • Enhances communication and presentation skills 
  • Encourages critical and reflective thinking 
  • Builds teaching and leadership experience 
  • Strengthen resume and graduate school applications 
  • Provides networking and mentorship opportunities 
  • Develops ability to give and receive constructive feedback
  • Cultivates a deeper understanding of how learning occurs 
  • Encourages development and use of diverse teaching strategies 
  • Provides a strong foundation for future roles in education, training, or mentoring 
  • Boosts confidence and self-efficacy 
  • Improves time management and organization 
  • Fosters empathy, patience, and adaptability 

Teaching & Instructional Support Opportunities

Directed Study: Teaching Experience (PSYC 4400)

Earn 1–3 credit hours by assisting a faculty member as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA).

    • Completion of PSYC 2500 
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA 
    • Approval from instructor and department chair via departmental application 
    • Successful completion of the course for which the UTA role is requested 
    • Some faculty may have additional requirements (e.g., a grade of A in a specific course) 
    • Meet with a PSYC Advisor in the RCHSS Advising Center to discuss how this research experience fits into their degree progression 
    • Find a Psychology faculty member who will supervise their teaching experience 
    • Consult with the faculty member to define expectations, learning objectives, and coursework prior to applying 
    • Apply the semester before the experience begins 
    • Complete departmental training once they are approved for the course 

Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions 

Volunteer Teaching Experience

Assist faculty members as a Volunteer Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) without earning course credit.

    • Approval from instructor and department chair via application 
    • Current enrollment as a KSU student 
    • Successful completion of the course for which the UTA role is requested
    • Psychology major 
    • Completion of PSYC 2500 
    • Minimum institutional and PSYC GPAs of 3.0 
    • Some faculty may have additional requirements
    • Find a Psychology faculty member who will supervise their teaching experience 
    • Consult with the faculty member to define expectations, learning objectives, and coursework prior to applying 
    • Apply the semester before the experience begins 
    • Complete departmental training once they are approved for the course

Visit Student Requests & Application for deadlines and application instructions

    • Monthly PSYC Email: Some faculty advertise Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTA) openings via the monthly email sent to PSYC majors 
    • Current Courses: Faculty may recruit UTAs from their own classes or students may approach them about opportunities 
    • Word of Mouth: Ask instructors, review faculty webpages, or connect through Psi Chi and Psychology Club events 

Psychology Lab Assistants

Student Lab Assistants support the Psychology Lab (SO 4026) and assist with digital learning environments. 
  • Positions are typically posted on Handshake 
  • Announcements are also shared in the monthly email send to PSYC majors 

Supplemental Instruction Leaders

The university employs undergraduate Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders who offer free weekly study sessions for students enrolled in targeted courses.  
  • SI Leader qualifications, responsibilities, time commitment, compensation, and the application process are outlined on the Supplemental Instruction website. 
  • If students are interested in becoming an SI Leader, they should start by contacting professors teaching PSYC 1101, 2500, 3000, and 4100 to see if they are looking for SI Leaders for their courses next semester.

Learning Assistants

The university employes undergraduate Learning Assistants (LAs) who assist students in the classroom.   
  • Visit the Learning Assistants website for more information about LA qualifications, responsibilities, and program structure, as well as how to apply.

SMART Tutors

The university employs undergraduate students to work as tutors and intake specialists through the

  • SMART Center on the Kennesaw campus, Marietta campus, and online. 
    The SMART Center offers tutoring for a variety of courses, including Introduction to General Psychology (PSYC 1101).  
  • Students interested in tutoring PSYC 1101 or other courses for which they are qualified, should visit the SMART Center website to apply and for additional information.