Quick note on what TA's are expected to do:
First off, you are not supposed to direct the student on how to move each turn. The job of a TA is to teach the diplomacy, tactics, and strategy aspects of the game as you understand them best. Offer suggestions, tips, identify play styles, options in various situations, and in general coach. The student should make the final decisions and choose his/her path to follow while you offer guidance, suggestions, and constructive critiques of their choices. Most of all you are going to be answering questions from the student. You can do this through PM or through email, whichever method you or your student prefers. Each TA has their own style.
All that is asked of TA's is that you don't just tell your student what to do each turn, and that you commit to being available to provide coaching as needed for the student and to answer any questions the student may have.
Anyone have anything to add to this short note on TA'ing?
I agree it is best to wait till January to start..
I also recommend we get PM confirmation from all students and TA's prior to game start to avoid no-shows, and TA's and students should know who they are paired with and should contact each other as soon as possible after game start (since TA's are tied to country and students are randomly assigned countries).