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International Teaching Assistants (ITA)

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The International Teaching Assistant Program supports Temple University’s commitment to teaching excellence and linguistic and cultural diversity. It also fosters a learning environment where undergraduate students can benefit from interaction with international teaching assistants.

By law in Pennsylvania, all university classroom instructors who are not native English speakers must be certified in English before they may begin teaching.  International graduate assistants must register with the ITA Program to verify English language proficiency.

Steps to verification of English language proficiency:

  1. Register as a Temple University ITA. At the point of registration you can submit documentation for TU ITA Test exemption.
  2. If you are not exempt from taking the TU ITA Test, the ITA Program Team will reach out to you to schedule the test.  
  3. If you do not receive a score of 30 or above on the TU ITA Test and you are not exempt, you must take the Graduate Level English Communication (GLEC) course which will provide language support through coursework that focuses on participation, presentation skills and pronunciation.
  4. If you have any questions, please contact us at ita@temple.edu.

Taking the TU ITA Test

1. Does every international teaching assistant have to take the TU ITA Test?

You may be exempt if:

  1. You are not a designated international teaching assistant but would like to benefit from GLEC1239. In this case, you do not need to sit for the test.
  2. You have received a score of 25 or higher on the speaking section of the TOEFL ibt or 7.5 or higher on the speaking section of IELTS.
  3. You are a graduate of a university in a native-English speaking country. You must present a copy of your diploma or official transcript for this exemption.

If these situations do not describe you, you must take the TU ITA Test. Please remember that you cannot assume instructional duties before your test result is communicated to your department.

2. What is the TU ITA Test format?

The TU ITA Test:

  • is an interview assessment which takes between 30 and 45 minutes and is conducted over Zoom. All responses for the test are spoken and recorded; you do not write at any time during the test.
  • consists of 5 scenarios, each includes several questions and requires you to perform a language function.

You will receive more detailed information (including technical requirements) after you register as Temple University ITA.

3. Register for the TU ITA Test
  • Testing for the TU ITA test is available all year. It is conducted remotely using Zoom.
  • Click here to register for the TU ITA Test or to submit exemption documents.
4. How many times can I take the TU ITA Test?

The TU ITA Test can be taken only once.

5. How do I read my TU ITA Test scores?
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The minimum TU ITA Test score is 0; the maximum score is 40. Scores are reported both to you and your department, via e­mail, within seven days of the date you take the test.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Temple know that my English is good enough to let me work as a teacher’s assistant?
  • Temple University administers the TU ITA (International Teaching Assistant) test to evaluate the English-speaking ability of teaching assistants whose native language is not English.
  • All international teaching assistants, including those who have received the minimum scores required in the TOEFL iBT, are required to contact the International Teaching Assistant Program to obtain a Certification of English Language Fluency before the beginning of the semester. 
2. How can I improve my language skills?
  • If you are a teaching assistant or graduate student whose native language is not English, you can enroll in Temple University’s non-credit graduate course titled Graduate Level English Communication (IELPSP1239).
  • Offered during both the fall and spring semesters, this course will prepare you to communicate effectively in and out of the classroom.
  • You will improve your English fluency and your knowledge of university culture as well as learn effective teaching & presentation practices in the classroom, the studio and the lab. 
3. Am I required to take this course?
  • Students who receive below a 30 on the TU ITA test must take this course. (See the information about the TU ITA test scoring.)
  • If you have not yet received your TU ITA test score, you must register for and attend IELPSP1239 until you do.
  • All non-native English speaking graduate students are welcome to enroll in the course, especially if you have no teaching experience or have not previously studied in a U.S. university. It will give you confidence in your English; especially in your ability to teach & present effectively in a U.S. classroom.