Head TAs (or HTAs) work with the instructor to manage the logistics and staff of a course during a given semester. HTAs have typically both taken and served as a UTA for a course prior to serving as an HTA, but this is not required.
HTAs are hired each midsemester for the following semester's courses. Interested students apply through a process that is managed by the meta-TAs. The instructor interviews candidates, reviews prior TA evaluations (if any), and provides a ranking of candidates to the Meta-TAs, who then use a stable matching process to assign HTAs to courses. Timelines and application details are documented on the TA program hiring page.
Note that, it is often the case that, in order to facilitate course development in advance of the semester the course is being offered, some of the HTAs may be selected farther in advance. If you're interested in HTAing a course (and doing course development, in particular), it's to your advantage to start discussing it with the instructor as much as two semesters in advance.
A Head Teaching Assistant plays a very different role in the life of a class than does a UTA. The role of HTA requires more attention to administrative details, more meetings and organization, and generally more time. This role can be more rewarding than being a UTA, however, because it really gives you the chance to work directly with an instructor on a class. This document will outline some of the expectations of HTAs, how you fit into the department, and what you should expect from this position.
Basic expectations
Expectations (and non-expectations) of HTAs include the following:
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HTAs are typically involved in hiring the UTA staff for the course (along with the instructor). The form that this takes differs from course to course. HTA candidates and instructors should discuss time expectations for this task during the HTA interview process.
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HTAs typically start working on logistics and planning at least 2-3 weeks (often longer) before the semester begins. Some HTAs will work on course development (materials, websites, etc) over the preceding (summer or winter) break. The instructor's expectations for these should be discussed during the HTA interview process.
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HTAs may not grant extensions, handle academic-code violations beyond initial data gathering, handle Title IX (harassment) allegations, or solely determine rubrics for assignments course grades. Any HTA work on preparation of assignments and course materials (including rubrics) should be supervised and reviewed by the instructor or a PhD student TA (if the course has one).
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During the semester, HTAs oversee the UTA staff by allocating tasks, checking on their progress, and helping to mentor new UTAs. HTAs typically serve as a liaison between the instructor and the UTAs. HTAs are expected to reach out to the instructor and the Meta-TAs when issues arise.
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During the semester, HTAs also monitor the pulse of the class through their interactions with students and UTAs. HTAs are expected to convey their observations to the rest of the course staff (including the instructor). HTAs should work with the instructor to understand issues and plan a course of action.
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Prior to the start of the semester, the instructor and HTAs should agree on who has responsibility for the major tasks within a course (releasing assignments, updating the website, etc). They should also set shared expectations for communications and where cuts can be made as needed to keep all TAs within their allotted numbers of hours.
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HTAs foster a positive community among the entire TA staff. Activities can include social get-togethers and team-building activities during TA camp. During the semester, this can also involve minor conflict resolution among TAs (HTAs should consult or hand-off to instructors or the Directors of Undergraduate Studies on more serious situations).
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HTAs should strive to avoid personal burnout. Historically, some HTAs have taken on too much responsibility under a goal of helping students and the UTA staff. HTAs are NOT responsible for resolving all problems that arise in a course. HTAs should communicate about their workloads with the instructor. If this is not feasible, HTAs are encouraged to reach out to the Directors of Undergraduate Studies, or the CS department Chair for assistance.
The HTA missive has more details and guidance regarding the HTA role.
