One: Make sure you listen well. I found that being a TA was one of the best opportunities during my MFA to learn about writing and craft. I had a wonderful mentor showing me how to teach, but I also had wonderful students who asked questions I hadn’t thought to prepare for. Sometimes I found opportunities to involve students in finding answers to those questions, particularly around issues of representation and different kinds of experience. My students had lived experience that was different from mine, and they had reading experience that was different than mine. It was a pleasure to be able to include those new ideas.
Two: Set a schedule for your TA responsibilities and stick to it. Your classes run at a set time. Your work life is scheduled. Make sure you plan well in advance for busy times like marking. It can be easy to burn out if you try to do all the marking at one session. If you are able, get together with your fellow TAs and organize a mark-a-thon, or even if you’re at your individual residences, try to connect during marking sessions so that evaluations are similar.
I learned a lot about craft. In order to teach well (or, really at all), you have to know your stuff and have a variety of ways of speaking about craft elements and solving writing problems. I found that creating lectures was a great way to learn. I also tried to maintain regular check ins with my mentor/s, who were able to provide answers on questions ranging from how to deal with tardiness to how to manage a student who was displeased with their grade. My mentors also were able to provide helpful advice around lecture delivery, or managing a tricky workshop space. Use them!
I also made very close friendships with my fellow TAs. We still meet up on the regular two years past graduation. These are friendships to be treasured.