Teaching Assistant Institute Goes Virtual
Faculty and staff from across the university delivered live and recorded presentations to graduate teaching assistants on numerous topics, including supporting students, teaching and teaching with technology, and managing teaching-related responsibilities during the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning’s first all-virtual, week-long Teaching Assistant Institute from August 17 through August 20, 2020. Graduate teaching assistants from across the disciplines gathered virtually on Blackboard to learn from and create connections with the presenters and each other. This year’s Teaching Assistant Institute drew nearly 300 new and returning graduate assistants and presenters, and 226 TA participants earned the Teaching Assistant Institute Certificate.
Feedback from the participant survey was positive with over 96% of respondents believing that the concepts and techniques covered in the program are applicable in their teaching or other student-related activities. One participant praised the online format, saying, “I really enjoyed the way the program was set up. I know last year it was in person, but we only could go to a limited number of sessions for certain topics. However, being online I was able to attend all sessions which was helpful for creating new ideas to incorporate in my teaching.”
Graduate Teaching Certificate: Learn More
The Graduate Teaching Certificate recognizes the participation of graduate teaching assistants (GA/RA/TA) in the development programs offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CITL). The certificate acknowledges these individuals’ commitment to effective teaching and bolsters their academic credentials.
To qualify for this recognition, a graduate teaching assistant must complete the following requirements:
- Earn the Teaching Assistant Institute Certificate (requirements vary based on whether the event was in-person or virtual)
- Attend at least five (5) programs of shorter duration offered by Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (full-day programs, such as attending Teaching Assistant Institute a second time, can be counted as equal to two (2) of these shorter programs)
Graduate teaching assistants are encouraged to apply for the certificate by completing and submitting the online application form.
Once the completed application is received and processed, the certificate will be sent to acknowledge your commitment to effective teaching.
If you need a few more workshops to qualify for the certificate, check the current schedule of programs on the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning website.
Did you miss the Institute? Check out CITL’s Graduate Teaching Assistant Resources and Support 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 upcoming programs. All TAs receive the new schedule via their NIU student email each month.
