International Teaching Assistants

International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) account for a large percentage of graduate assistants at the University of Southern California. The University is pleased to have such a large number of ITAs. Opportunities to interact with teaching assistants from other cultures can be a great benefit to students. At the same time, the University must ensure the quality of education at the undergraduate level. In order to do this, USC requires a high level of English proficiency for all those involved in teaching.  


The American Language Institute is responsible for evaluating English proficiency, and for providing the necessary training to help ITAs obtain the language skills necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. This training may include participation in the ITA Institute and enrollment in courses which focus on the communication skills needed for teaching. If you are interested in learning more about the training available to ITAs at the University of Southern California, please contact the ITA Coordinator at ita@usc.edu.

 

Testing and Placement

All new TAs for whom English is a second language and all new TAs who were not born in the United States or in a country where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction must demonstrate their competence in spoken English before assuming classroom or laboratory duties. This includes TAs who may be US citizens or permanent residents. Normally this is done by taking the ITA Exam. The ITA Exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, and placement is as follows:

  • 6.0 - 7.0:  Cleared to teach. No ALI requirements. Often examinees are given recommendations for courses that they may choose to take, or their departments may require them to take.
  • 5.5:  Cleared to teach. Must take ALI 242, 270, 271, 274, or other assigned course.
  • 5.0:  Cleared to teach. Must take ALI 242, 270, 271, 274, or other assigned course.
  • 3.5 - 4.5:  Not cleared to teach. Must take ALI 242, 244, 254, or other assigned course in order to assume future teaching responsibilities.
  • 3.0 - 1:  Not cleared to teach. See ALI Advisor.

Common Questions about the ITA Exam

1. What is the ITA Exam?
The ITA Exam is a ten to fifteen minute interview with two examiners. It has two parts:

  • A brief interview in which the candidate talks about his or her educational experience and interest in graduate studies at USC (3-5 minutes)
  • An explanation of a term or concept in examinee's field. Two terms or concepts will be given to students 24 hours prior to the exam so that they can prepare a simulated classroom presentation on one of those terms or concepts. The examiners will act as students and will ask questions about the term (5-6 minutes)

2. Who can waive the ITA Exam?
Waivers from the exam must be supported by the department for which the student is teaching. Students who meet the conditions of a waiver may contact their department and ask that the department submit an ITA Waiver Request form. If the department supports the student's request, the form will be submitted to the ALI and the Graduate School. Students who can show that they meet any one of the following conditions can request to be waived from the exam:

  • Student's native language is English. This applies to students from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec) where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction. Permanent Residents of the US cannot be waived from the exam unless their native language is English.
  • Student scored 29 or better on the speaking section and 25 or better on the listening section of the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT).

3.  How do I register for the exam?
Request an appointment at itatest@usc.edu

4.  How do I get my test results?
Test results are made available usually within one day of the exam. Instructions for getting your results will be given at the end of the oral interview.

5. What is a PT restriction?
All new ITAs receive a PT (pending test) restriction. This restriction will prevent you from receiving your tuition assistance until you have demonstrated adequate English proficiency or enrolled in your required ALI class. Those ITAs who have scored a 6 or higher on the ITA Exam, or have received a waiver, will have their PT restriction removed immediately. Those who are required to take an ALI class will have their restriction removed after the deadline to add or drop classes provided they have enrolled in their required ALI class. All late charges resulting from the PT restriction will also be removed.

If you have any other questions, please email itatest@usc.edu.

ITAs and the International Student English (ISE) Exam

ITAs who do not meet one of the exemption criteria for taking the ISE Exam, must also take the ISE Exam. For more information, please go to: http://dornsife.usc.edu/ali/ise/.

 

English Classes for ITAs

There are several classes that ITAs can take in order to improve their English. ITAs who score less than 6 will have an ALI requirement as indicated above.  ALI also offers elective courses for those who want to further improve their English. These include courses in pronunciation, oral skills, advanced writing for publications and dissertations, and advanced academic and professional spoken English.
All ALI classes have a mandatory attendance policy. 

 

Tuition Assistance

A TA's tuition award may be used to pay for ALI classes provided that the student's award is enough to cover the cost. Students are responsible for all tuition not covered by their award. Teaching assistants denied clearance for classroom duties may continue to receive their stipends and tuition remission depending on their department. When possible the department will assign them alternative duties. When alternative assignment is not possible the department may provide one semester of non-assigned support.

uSC Program

The Undergraduate Student Consultant Program or uSC Program, along with the ITA Language Institute and English classes offered to international teaching assistants (ITAs), is perhaps USC's most engaging interdisciplinary program through which ITAs are prepared for their teaching responsibilities.
During the Spring Semester of 2003, the American Language Institute began employing a group of undergraduate Student Consultants (uSCs) to serve as a link for ITAs to learn more about American teaching styles, effective English communication skills, and American culture.These uSCs are chosen based on their strong academic record, international/intercultural experience, and maturity.
Every week for 10 weeks, a uSC and an ITA meet for two hours on or off campus. uSCs offer the ITA an invaluable opportunity to hone their teaching skills, practice English language (pronunciation, conversation, slang, idioms, grammar, etc.), and gain a broader understanding of American culture.
uSCs build lasting relationships with their ITAs that is based on mutual respect and professionalism. USCs are most than just tutors - they are cultural ambassadors and educators.

Email us at: ita@usc.edu
or
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ITA Language Institute

The ITA Language Institute is offered in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Teaching. It is a week-long program at the beginning of August designed for international teaching assistants. The Institute includes sessions on TA roles and duties, teaching styles, developing and improving oral communication skills, understanding the language and conventions of the American classroom, presenting information, handling question-and-answer sessions and eliciting student participation in class. All attendees receive copies of the Center's publications, A Guidebook for ITAs and Teaching Nuggets.


The ITA Language Institute is highly recommended as it provides valuable information about teaching at USC. It also prepares ITAs for the ITA Exam, required of most international teaching assistants. If you would like to participate in the Institute, please contact your TA Coordinator/Graduate Advisor. If you need housing and meals during the week of the ITA Language Institute, CET can accommodate you for free. To accept this offer, please inform your TA Coordinator or Graduate Student Advisor. Housing and meals are available for spouses and children as well, but for a small fee. Note: Children are not allowed at scheduled events.

Sample Comments from Previous Participants:

"I think the ITA institute was a great experience. More than just learning about teaching styles, we got a chance to interact and communicate with fellow ITAs and get involved in team activities."

"The training is helpful for my teaching and living here. It's wonderful!"

"It was very helpful to improve my language skills and learn more about teaching methods."

"Excellent teachers, excellent courses!"