Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Professor Johnson, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Teaching Assistant position for CS 101: Introduction to Computer Science at Stanford University. As a graduate student in Computer Science with a passion for education and two years of tutoring experience, I am excited to support students in their journey to understand fundamental programming concepts. My teaching experience includes: • Tutored 30+ undergraduate students in Python, Java, and data structures, improving average grades by 15% • Led weekly review sessions for Introduction to Algorithms course with 25+ attendees • Created supplementary teaching materials including practice problems and solution guides • Provided one-on-one office hours addressing conceptual questions and debugging assistance • Graded assignments and exams for CS courses, providing detailed constructive feedback • Assisted in proctoring exams and maintaining academic integrity standards I am proficient in Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, with strong knowledge of introductory CS topics including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. My ability to explain complex concepts in accessible ways and my patience with struggling students position me to excel as a teaching assistant. Stanford's commitment to undergraduate education and Professor Johnson's engaging teaching style make this my ideal TA opportunity. I am particularly impressed by the course's hands-on project-based approach to learning programming. My combination of technical expertise, teaching experience, and genuine passion for helping students learn positions me to contribute effectively to CS 101. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your teaching needs. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alex Chen Ph.D. Student, Computer Science, Stanford University

Dear Dr. Martinez, I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistant position for Chemistry 20: Organic Chemistry at Harvard University. As a chemistry graduate student with hands-on research experience in organic synthesis and a strong commitment to undergraduate education, I am excited to help students master this challenging but rewarding subject. My relevant qualifications include: • Served as TA for General Chemistry, earning 4.8/5.0 student evaluation rating • Led problem-solving sessions for 40+ students covering reaction mechanisms and synthesis strategies • Supervised undergraduate lab sections, ensuring safety compliance and experimental success • Developed visual aids and molecular models to explain stereochemistry and reaction pathways • Held regular office hours providing personalized support for struggling students • Graded exams and problem sets with detailed feedback on conceptual understanding I have strong expertise in organic reaction mechanisms, synthesis planning, spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR, MS), and laboratory techniques. My research in asymmetric catalysis gives me real-world context to share with students about applications of organic chemistry. Harvard's rigorous academic standards and Dr. Martinez's innovative teaching methods align perfectly with my educational philosophy. I am particularly excited about the course's integration of modern synthetic methodology. My technical knowledge, teaching experience, and dedication to student success position me to be an effective teaching assistant for Chemistry 20. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to student learning in organic chemistry. Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, Sarah Johnson Ph.D. Candidate, Chemistry, Harvard University

Dear Professor Lee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Teaching Assistant position for 18.02: Multivariable Calculus at MIT. As a mathematics graduate student with extensive tutoring experience and a passion for making abstract concepts accessible, I am eager to support students in mastering multivariable calculus. My teaching background includes: • Tutored 50+ students in calculus courses over three years, specializing in visualization techniques • Led recitation sections for Calculus I with 30+ students, focusing on problem-solving strategies • Created interactive visualizations using MATLAB and Python to illustrate 3D concepts • Developed practice problem sets aligned with course objectives and exam format • Provided detailed feedback on homework assignments and exams • Held drop-in office hours averaging 10 students per week during exam periods I am proficient in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and mathematical proof techniques. My ability to use computational tools and create visual representations helps students develop intuition for abstract concepts. MIT's problem-solving approach to mathematics education and Professor Lee's emphasis on conceptual understanding resonate deeply with my teaching philosophy. I am particularly excited about incorporating computational tools into the learning process. My mathematical expertise, teaching experience, and commitment to student comprehension position me to excel as a TA for 18.02. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can support student learning in multivariable calculus. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, David Park Ph.D. Student, Mathematics, MIT

Dear Dr. Williams, I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistant position for Psychology 1: Introduction to Psychology at UC Berkeley. As a psychology graduate student conducting research in cognitive neuroscience and with a strong commitment to undergraduate mentorship, I am excited to help students discover the fascinating field of psychology. My teaching and mentorship experience includes: • Served as TA for Research Methods in Psychology, receiving excellent student feedback • Facilitated weekly discussion sections for 35+ students, encouraging critical thinking and class participation • Mentored 5 undergraduate research assistants in my lab, teaching experimental design and data analysis • Created study guides and practice exam questions aligned with course learning objectives • Graded written assignments including research paper critiques and essay exams • Held regular office hours providing academic support and career advising I have comprehensive knowledge of psychology's major subfields including cognitive, social, developmental, clinical, and neuroscience perspectives. My research background allows me to share current scientific findings and real-world applications. Berkeley's commitment to research-informed teaching and Dr. Williams' engaging lecture style make this an ideal TA opportunity. I am particularly impressed by the course's emphasis on scientific thinking and critical evaluation of psychological claims. My academic background, teaching experience, and enthusiasm for psychology education position me to be an effective teaching assistant. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Jessica Martinez Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology, UC Berkeley

Dear Professor Anderson, I am writing to express my interest in the Teaching Assistant position for Economics 101: Principles of Economics at the University of Michigan. As an economics graduate student with experience in both microeconomics and macroeconomics research, I am eager to help undergraduate students develop economic reasoning skills. My relevant experience includes: • Served as TA for Intermediate Microeconomics, earning 4.7/5.0 teaching evaluation score • Led problem-solving sessions covering supply and demand, market structures, and policy analysis • Created real-world examples and case studies to illustrate economic principles • Developed supplementary materials including practice problems with detailed solution guides • Graded problem sets and exams, providing constructive feedback on graphical and analytical work • Held weekly office hours helping students understand economic models and their applications I am proficient in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometric methods, and data analysis using Stata and R. My ability to connect abstract economic models to current events and policy debates helps students see the relevance of economic thinking. Michigan's strong economics department and Professor Anderson's reputation for excellent teaching make this my top TA choice. I am particularly excited about the course's balance of theoretical foundations and practical applications. My economic knowledge, teaching experience, and passion for helping students think like economists position me to be a valuable teaching assistant. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Economics 101. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Michael Thompson Ph.D. Student, Economics, University of Michigan

Dear Professor Davis, I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistant position for History W1010: World History to 1500 CE at Columbia University. As a history graduate student specializing in medieval studies with a passion for undergraduate education, I am excited to help students develop critical historical thinking skills. My teaching experience includes: • Served as discussion section leader for European History survey course with 25+ students • Facilitated engaging discussions encouraging students to analyze primary sources critically • Provided detailed feedback on 100+ student essays, focusing on thesis development and evidence use • Created study guides and timeline resources to help students contextualize historical events • Held office hours providing writing support and exam preparation assistance • Graded essays, exams, and research papers using clear rubrics and constructive comments I have strong knowledge of ancient, medieval, and early modern world history across multiple regions. My research experience with primary source analysis and historical interpretation allows me to model scholarly thinking for undergraduates. Columbia's Core Curriculum and Professor Davis's comparative approach to world history align perfectly with my educational values. I am particularly excited about helping students make connections across different civilizations and time periods. My historical expertise, teaching experience, and commitment to developing students' analytical skills position me to excel as a teaching assistant. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to student learning in world history. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Elizabeth Bennett Ph.D. Candidate, History, Columbia University

Dear Dr. Robinson, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Teaching Assistant position for Biology 1101: Introduction to Biology at Cornell University. As a biology graduate student conducting research in molecular biology with strong communication skills, I am eager to help students understand fundamental biological concepts. My teaching and mentorship background includes: • Supervised laboratory sections for General Biology, ensuring student safety and experimental success • Led discussion sections for 30+ students covering cell biology, genetics, and evolution • Mentored undergraduate researchers in lab techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy • Created visual aids and animations to explain complex processes like transcription and translation • Graded lab reports, exams, and assignments with detailed feedback on scientific reasoning • Held regular office hours providing academic support during challenging course units I am proficient in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with hands-on laboratory experience. My research background allows me to share current scientific advances and career insights with students. Cornell's commitment to hands-on learning and Dr. Robinson's engaging teaching style make this an ideal TA position. I am particularly excited about the course's integration of laboratory and lecture content. My scientific knowledge, teaching experience, and passion for biology education position me to be an effective teaching assistant. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Robert Kim Ph.D. Student, Molecular Biology, Cornell University

Dear Professor Wilson, I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistant position for Philosophy 115: Introduction to Philosophy at Yale University. As a philosophy graduate student with expertise in both ancient and contemporary philosophy, I am passionate about helping undergraduate students develop critical thinking and argumentation skills. My relevant qualifications include: • Led discussion sections for Ethics course with 20+ students, facilitating respectful philosophical debate • Taught informal logic and argument analysis workshops for first-year students • Provided detailed feedback on 80+ philosophical essays, focusing on argument structure and clarity • Created study guides breaking down complex philosophical texts into accessible summaries • Held weekly office hours helping students understand challenging readings and develop their own arguments • Graded exams and papers using clear criteria for philosophical analysis and writing quality I have comprehensive knowledge of major philosophical traditions including ancient Greek, modern European, and contemporary analytic philosophy. My ability to facilitate inclusive discussions and help students articulate their ideas positions me to excel in this role. Yale's rigorous humanities education and Professor Wilson's Socratic teaching method align perfectly with my approach to philosophy pedagogy. I am particularly excited about helping students engage with foundational philosophical questions. My philosophical training, teaching experience, and commitment to developing students' critical thinking skills make me an ideal teaching assistant. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Amanda Foster Ph.D. Candidate, Philosophy, Yale University