2026-27 Teaching Assistantship in Communication & Media
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, a complete application will include the following attachments:
1) A cover letter addressing the position and your qualifications, specifically in response to the following prompts:
a. How might your academic background inform your teaching of communication?
b. What might be your top three learning goals for students in the Fundamentals of Communication course?
c. How would teaching introductory communication courses assist you in accomplishing your professional goals?
d. If interested in assisting with the Speech & Debate team: what prior experience do you have with collegiate speech and debate, and how would coaching the team contribute to your professional goals?
2) A resume / curriculum vitae
3) A link to a recorded video teaching or coaching demonstration that accomplishes the following goals:
a. Identifies a concept related to communication and media;
b. Explains the importance of this concept to an undergraduate student’s understanding of communication and media.
c. Demonstrates your ability to convey that concept clearly and succinctly.
d. Does not exceed 10 minutes.
The materials submitted along with your application for admission to the program will also be considered when determining graduate assistantship appointments.
Please email your assistantship application to Dr. Justin Rudnick: justin.rudnick@mnsu.edu.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 2/1/2026
POSITION START DATE: 9/7/2025
RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Department of Communication and Media is seeking on-campus / in-person Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) for the 2026-27 academic year. GTAs typically teach up to two sections of the basic communication course each semester and fulfill related instructional and departmental obligations (up to 20 hours per week). GTAs may also apply to serve as Graduate Forensic Assistants who may have reduced teaching assignments in order to support the University’s Speech and Debate team. New GTAs must report for a one-week training / workshop beginning August 10, 2026. Classes begin August 24, 2026. International / non-U.S. based GTAs are required to report to the university on August 3, 2026 in order to complete necessary government and employment paperwork.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A bachelor's degree
- Admission to a Communication and Media graduate program.
- Strong English language speaking and writing skills.
- Demonstrated ability in academic writing.
- Ability to work harmoniously with a variety of people representing diverse perspectives.
- Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date.
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong interest in teaching communication to a variety of undergraduate student populations.
- Prior coursework in communication and media.
- Prior teaching experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver.
RELATED INFORMATION:
- Before being awarded an assistantship, applicants must be admitted to a graduate program in Communication and Media. Information on programs and admission requirements is available at https://grad.mnsu.edu/all-graduate-programs/communication-studies-ma/
- Teaching assistantships are renewable for a second year, contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.
- New fist-year GTAs are required to enroll in a training seminar (COMM 603) that runs August 10-14, 2026 and continues meeting weekly during the fall and spring semester.
- Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment.
- Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu.
CONTACT
Justin J. Rudnick, Professor & Graduate Studies Coordinator
Communication & Media
Minnesota State University, Mankato
230 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-5534
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: justin.rudnick@mnsu.edu
NOTICE:
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.