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LA Program

For students

What is the time commitment for being an LA?

As an LA, you will work a total of eight hours per week, in addition to the two-hour Pedagogy Seminar that you take during your first semester as an LA.
Your eight weekly work hours are divided as follows: 

  • Class time: 3 hours 
  • Prep meeting: 1–1.5 hours 
  • Other: 3.5–4 hours reviewing course material, getting ready for your LA responsibilities, and working with students out of class (e.g., in GroupMes or coffee chats) 

What is the time commitment for being a CA?

LAs in math classes at Vanderbilt are called CAs. As a CA, you will work a total of eight hours per week, in addition to the two-hour Pedagogy Seminar that you take during your first semester as a CA. Your eight weekly work hours are divided as follows: 

  • Leading a discussion section (with another CA): 1 hour 
  • Leading a second discussion section or working in the Calculus Cafe: 1 hour 
  • Prep meeting: 1 – 1.5 hours 
  • Other: 4.5–5 hours reviewing course material, getting ready for your LA responsibilities, and working with students out of class (e.g., in GroupMes) 

How do LAs support me in my classes?

LAs facilitate the types of active learning exercises that your instructor decides are a good fit for your course. You may work with your LA and a group of peers to discuss and solve problems, analyze data, or figure out how to put different ideas into a bigger picture understanding. LAs aren’t involved in assessment in any way; they don’t grade or help prepare tests, quizzes, or other assignments. They can, however, help you and your instructor think about different ways to consider concepts that are challenging, and they can act as a sounding board as you’re developing your own questions and understandings. 

How do CAs support me in my classes?

Most of the time, CAs facilitate active learning in discussion sections that accompany calculus courses (e.g., MATH 1200, MATH 1201, MATH 1300), leading students in these sections as they work through homework for the class. They also work with students in the Calculus Cafe, helping with problems you bring. In some semesters, CAs also support other math courses, working during class to support you in ways that are just like those described for LAs.  

Is there compensation?

Yes. LAs receive a stipend of $1500 per semester in recognition of the time and commitment required. Stipends are paid in three equal installments. 

Is there a difference between LAs and CAs?

LAs in math classes at Vanderbilt are called CAs. There is no difference in preparation, support, compensation, or type of work.  

What qualities make a strong LA or CA candidate?

  • Patience and empathy 
  • Strong communication skills 
  • Reliability and responsibility 
  • Interest in teaching and learning practices 
  • Ability to collaborate with peers and faculty 

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