Letter of recommendation from TA?

[pws]

I just finished a Poetry in America course at Harvard Extension, and I'd like to ask for a letter of recommendation to apply for graduate studies. However, the course professor basically has zero contact with students, and doesn't read any of the written assignments either—which is all done by a teacher's assistant (TA). Although the TA is a college professor herself (at another school), I don't know how having a letter of recommendation from a TA, as one of the two needed references I need for the graduate application, would work out.

Has anyone had experience with a situation similar to this?

[ThatBankDude]

If the TA is able to speak to your intellectual abilities, I would see no issue with it as long as they have the proper credentials. That said, it may also depend on what university you are applying to for graduate studies.

[Jonathan Whatley]

In the departments at Harvard Extension I'm more familiar with (on-campus natural sciences), it's common for an instructor to write a reference letter based in part on input from their TA. Perhaps you could ask your TA who could then ask the instructor.

[eriehiker]

I would also go back through the forums and assignment feedback for positive responses. I wrote one really great paper for the Harvard poetry classes and received a fantastic review back from the TA. I have that saved and can send it to Professor New as evidence that I did well in the courses.

It would be very much worth it in this case to try for a letter from Professor New because she is EXTREMELY well-connected and well-respected. She is married to former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers. It would be a great letter.

[pws]

The answers were helpful, thank you.