A teacher’s assistant, commonly referred to as a TA, is a paid assistant for specific professors on campus, and many students and professors benefited from their help. From grading papers to taking attendance, TAs actively aim to lighten the workload of professors across multiple programs at California Baptist University.
David Byun, junior philosophy and applied theology double major, worked as a TA since the beginning of the fall 2025 semester. Byun explained that in large classes, such as theology courses, TAs were especially helpful in keeping track of students and their grades.
“Imagine having 70 people or 80 people in your class,” Byun said. “Just being there for the professors takes a huge load off their backs.”
Byun’s responsibilities as a TA included sending out emails to students, answering their questions and grading written assignments. Dividing the workload between the professor and the TA increased the speed at which students received their grades and feedback.
As the only TA for theology professors, Dr. Jeffrey Mooney and Dr. Andrés Vera, Byun believed his responsibilities extended beyond simply taking attendance.
“My task is not only to give encouragement, but to give helpful criticism so that they can improve in reading the Bible,” Byun said.
However, being a TA was no easy task. The job required timeliness, good planning and communication. Byun said that to become a TA, students needed to demonstrate their work ethic through their classes.
“If the professors see that you try hard, that you care about studying, that you manage your time well, then they ask you if you can be a TA,” Byun explained.
James Chun, junior applied theology major, served as Dr. John Gil’s TA for almost a year and a half.
“It’s not for the faint of heart,” Chun advised.
Between the professor and the TA, there was no room for procrastination when handling 70 to 80 students. During exam season, grading midterms while also taking them required a strong work ethic, organization and communication.
While staying on top of each requirement was challenging, the position helped TAs grow in proficiency and discipline. Chun said the unique experiences and benefits of the role outweighed the challenges.
“Flexible hours,” Chun mentioned, was one of the perks of the job. “You can work whenever you want.”
Clocking in on their own time allowed TAs to fit their responsibilities into their schedules comfortably. This flexibility game them time to take breaks when needed and complete their personal homework.
Another benefit, Chun noted, was being able to build relationships with professors and students.
Aranxa Benitez, graduate elementary education student, described her experience as a TA as a gateway to valuable connections.
“The biggest pro is being able to build connections with the students,” Benitez said. “Since I am pursuing a master’s in education to eventually become an elementary school teacher, these experiences are significant and help me grow.”
Through meeting with students and answering questions, TAs could use their position to mentor others and support their success in class. In Benitez’s case, she used her position to grow in communication, a skill she would later use as a teacher.
While it required time and discipline, the TA position provided excellent help to professors and meaningful connections with students. The work performed by TAs motivated many CBU students to pursue excellence in work ethic, purpose and communication in their studies and careers.
