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Desperately Seeking a Head TF

Gould usually names his three graduate students as TFs for the course, and it is rare for more than one to express interest in becoming the head TF, Goldsmith says.

"There was not much competition," Goldsmith says."In fact, there was none at all."

It was an experience Scott M. Ransom, the head TF for Science A-35: "Matter in the Universe," would find familiar.

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"I am sure a few people showed interest, but it did not seem to me that there was stiff competition," Ransom says. "I was recruited by the professor to be head TF."

Paper Pushers

Fretzen says the head TF position is very different than that of a regular teaching assistant. While most TFs are able to devote all their time to teaching preparation and grading, head TFs must deal with administration.

Want to switch sections? Find the head TF. Want a paper extension? The head TF's your best bet.

Fretzen says the paperwork may be a reason more may not apply. Many people are not ready to take on the huge organizational tasks, she says.

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