Professors shopping for head TFs says they try to bill the long-hours involved as a good career move--the position is a logical springboard to a professorship after graduate studies are complete. This year, former Social Analysis 10: "Principles of Economics" head TF Judith Li '94 rose to the rank of assistant professor in the course.
The typical head TF of a course works closely with the professor in formulating the curriculum, including lectures and reading lists.
Head TFs are usually selected months in advance of the start of class and also aid professors in choosing other teaching assistants for the course.
Ransom had taught Science A-35 only once prior to his selection as head TF for this semester. He had also served as a teaching assistant in three similar science courses in the past.
Ransom believes he was chosen primarily for his teaching experience.
"I had a lot of experience, and that helped," he says.
Goldsmith, the head TF for Science B-16, agrees.
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