We’re excited to share another success of the Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI) this Fall 2024! This invaluable program, developed by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, empowers Graduate Teaching Assistants to refine their teaching skills and thrive in the classroom. With a diverse range of topics covered and a flexible three-week-long online format, the extended and enhanced TAI Fall 2024 has successfully adapted to the evolving needs of its participants. This year, we welcomed 216 enthusiastic graduate teaching assistants, and a majority of them earned TAI Certificates.
What is the Teaching Assistant Institute?
The Teaching Assistant Institute (TAI), a brainchild of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, is an invaluable opportunity for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) to elevate their teaching skills and prepare for success in the classroom. TAI sessions, delivered by faculty and staff members representing various departments at the university, cover a diverse range of topics. These topics include:
- Student support
- Effective teaching methodologies
- Integrating technology into teaching practices
- Fostering accessibility
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Preparing to engage with students
- Managing teaching-related duties
This comprehensive approach ensures that Graduate Teaching Assistants are well-prepared and knowledgeable in all aspects of their role as TAs.
The (re)Evolution of TAI
Since 2020, TAI has embraced a transformative shift from a one-day program to a dynamic week-long online format, incorporating both synchronous and asynchronous components. Over the past four years, CITL has enhanced and extended its virtual format. This year, TAI spanned three weeks from August 12 to August 30, featuring three live synchronous sessions and an optional in-person networking event in the second week of the Institute. The in-person event provided a valuable opportunity for graduate students to connect with peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. By continuously evolving, TAI remains relevant and effective in providing the necessary teaching skills and knowledge for our TAs.
Fall 2024 Teaching Assistant Institute Data
The Teaching Assistant Institute for Fall 2024 continued to see a robust turnout, with 216 new and returning graduate teaching assistants in attendance. By the second week of the semester, 137 registered TAs had earned the TAI Certificate, while 29 TAs had earned a Preparing to Teach Online (PTO) Certificate. This growth and success are evidence of the effectiveness and adaptability of the TAI program. We hope to inspire more departments to participate and recognize its impact on their TAs.
Feedback from the participant survey was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the success of the program. Respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the objectives for attending the institute were fully met, that the topics covered in the institute are highly relevant to their roles as TAs, and that what they gained from TAI will greatly benefit their students. Takeaways mentioned by respondents include understanding the “hidden curriculum” (cultural barriers), receiving W.I.S.E. feedback to reduce shame, implementing equitable and inclusive teaching practices, embracing a growth mindset, addressing microaggressions, becoming aware of campus resources, and dealing with imposter syndrome.
Teaching Assistant Institute Certificate
To qualify for a certificate for TAI, a graduate teaching assistant must have attended:
- 3 synchronous presentations
- Topics this year included Strategies and Resources for Supporting TA Success presented by Dr. Jessica Reyman, Culturally Responsive Teaching presented by Dr. Linh Nguyen, and Preparing to Work with Students presented by Dr. Mary Lynn Henningsen, as well as our popular Experienced TA Panel, which included Diana Holland (Interdisciplinary Health Professions), Kassandra Kavanaugh (Counseling and Higher Education), and Laurie Spencer (Biological Sciences)
- 5 required asynchronous presentations
- Topics included Assisting Students with Emotional and/or Behavioral Concerns, Responding to Bias and Microaggression, Growth Mindset, Reducing Barriers for Students with Disabilities, and Supporting First Generation Students
- 3 elective asynchronous presentations
- Numerous topic options were available, such as Graduate Career and Professional Development, Equitable Grading Practices, Academic Integrity, Library Services, Impostor Phenomenon, and Time Management
Graduate Teaching Certificate Opportunity
The Graduate Teaching Certificate recognizes the participation of graduate teaching assistants (GA/RA/TAs) in the professional development programs offered by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. 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 Teaching Assistant Institute (must earn a Certificate, see requirements above)
- At least five (5) programs of shorter duration offered by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning — Full-day programs, such as attending Teaching Assistant Institute a second time (earning a second Certificate), can be counted for two (2) of these shorter programs; Preparing to Teach Online (PTO) counts for one (1) of these shorter programs.
Graduate teaching assistants are encouraged to apply for the certificate by completing the online application form. 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 graduate teaching assistant programs.
Helpful Resources for TAs
Did you miss the Teaching Assistant Institute? Check out our Graduate Teaching Assistant Resources and Support page. You will find many helpful resources. We will also have a fully asynchronous Teaching Assistant Institute in January 2024. Keep an eye out for registration details in late November/early December!
Workshops and Support
To find out more about CITL workshops and programs, keep an eye on our monthly calendar of programs, and if you need help with teaching or instructional technology in your TA role, visit our Help page for details on how to contact CITL for support!
