Teaching
I have served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Political Science at UCLA, where I lead discussion sections, hold office hours, and teach hands-on quantitative methods (including R). I care deeply about creating a welcoming, rigorous environment where students feel supported in tackling difficult material.
University of California, Los Angeles
- PS 169 — Mixed Methods in Political Science
Teaching Assistant for Prof. Salma Mousa · Fall 2025, Spring 2026 - PS 150 — Political Violence
Teaching Assistant for Prof. Graeme Blair · Winter 2026
Selected student comments
“Sofia is one of the best TAs I have had at UCLA. The course material we were trying to learn was difficult, and Sofia did an amazing job explaining it and helping us succeed… If all my TAs at UCLA were like her, I would have a much more valuable education.” PS 169: Mixed Methods
“She went above and beyond every single week to ensure that the experience of the entire class was the best that it could possibly be, even when it meant navigating the needs of 72 students at once.” PS 169: Mixed Methods
“The TA is incredible and I would not be able to navigate the course without her because she is so organized and helpful and creates super helpful material.” PS 169: Mixed Methods
“I sometimes forget she is a TA and not the professor because of how much she is teaching… she went further to teach new techniques to strengthen our skills.” PS 169: Mixed Methods
“Sofia is what every TA should aspire to be: caring, a bit tough (in the sense that her feedback is intentional), and thorough… She would make discussion presentations that other TAs would use because she just cares that much.” PS 150: Political Violence
“One of the best TAs I have had. From the very first discussion section, she gave us the feeling that someone cared about us and that she wanted us to succeed in this class.” PS 150: Political Violence
“Ms. Sotelo is an extremely passionate and charitable TA — I have virtually zero complaints about her. She is extremely thorough in her grading, easily accessible in and outside of class, and never unwilling to help. She is a true gem of a TA — please keep her around!” PS 150: Political Violence