Designed specifically for graduate assistants teaching composition at Michigan State University (MSU), this handbook provides a general information base for teaching assistants, offering practical advice and discussing various aspects of course design, classroom practice, and the logistics of teaching at a large public university. A section on course descriptions presents brief summaries of the non-fiction courses which are offered by the MSU English Department and taught by graduate assistants, and includes course title, number, format, and content. Sections on computer writing, preparing a syllabus, writing assignments, class discussions and peer editing, and reading and responding to student writing are included; and a special note on mechanics gives advice on editing for grammatical errors. Other topics covered in the handbook include attendance policy, student-teacher conferences, and running a class on a day to day basis. The sections on grading discuss portfolio grading as well as the MSU grading system, incomplete policies, and grade disputes or changes. The final sections review the MSU Code of Teaching Responsibility and the Student Instructional Rating System. A bibliography of books on teaching writing and composition theory is also provided. (MM)