Faculty and staff from across the university presented to graduate teaching assistants on supporting students, teaching and teaching with technology, and managing teaching-related tasks on August 20, 2019. This year’s Teaching Assistant Institute was a well-attended with over 180 new and returning graduate assistants and presenters. Graduate teaching assistants from across campus gathered to learn from the presenters but also to learn from each other.
Initial feedback from the participant survey was extremely positive! Almost 90% of participants felt the concepts / techniques covered in this program are applicable in their teaching or other student-related activities. “I think that the institute was very informative and well-organized. The topics covered were great and I think that what I learned will be very useful when teaching. It is nice to know that there are so many wonderful supports available at the university for TAs and faculty members,” said one participant.
Learn more about the Graduate Teaching Certificate
The Graduate Teaching Certificate recognizes the participation of graduate teaching assistants (GA/RA/TAs) in the development programs offered by the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center. The certificate acknowledges these individuals’ commitment to effective teaching and can enhance their academic credentials.
To qualify for this recognition, a graduate teaching assistant must have attended:
- the full-day Teaching Assistant Institute (must attend the entire day)
- at least five (5) programs of shorter duration offered by Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center (full-day programs, such as attending Teaching Assistant Institute a second time, can be counted for two (2) of these shorter programs)
Graduate teaching assistants are encouraged to apply for the certificate by completing the online application form or by printing and completing the paper application and mailing it to the Center.
Once the completed application is received and processed, the certificate will be sent to your department to acknowledge your commitment to effective teaching. Your department will present the certificate to you.
If you need a few more workshops to qualify for the certificate, check the current schedule of TA programs on the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center website.
Did you miss the institute? Check out the Resources for Teaching Assistant page. You will find many helpful resources, including the presentation slides and handouts from the institute.
To find out more about TA workshops, look for our monthly calendar of programs. All TAs receive the schedule via their NIU student email.
