The Center for Teaching and Learning offers a variety of resources to enhance the teaching effectiveness of Georgia Tech's undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs), graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), and graduate student instructors (GSI). Serving as a TA is an exceptional opportunity to build and demonstrate mastery in your discipline while perfecting your presentation skills and individual consulting.
TA Orientation (TAO) 
New TAs are expected to complete this essential introduction to the TA role. Through TAO, you will learn about your new responsibilities, the policies that govern your work, and useful tools to apply in your course.
FALL 2020
In an effort to support social distancing and provide the greatest flexibility for new TAs to complete training, Fall 2020 TA Orientation is moving to remote asynchronous and synchronous delivery.
Asynchronous GT TA Training modules via Canvas
New TAs are required to self-enroll in GT TA Training and complete the following five modules by Friday, August 28th:
Module 1: What you should know about FERPA
Module 2: What you should know about Disability Services
Module 3: What you should know about Academic Integrity
Module 4: What you should know about Online Communication
Module 5: What you should know about Grading
Each of these modules concludes with a short knowledge quiz. Score 80% or higher on each quiz to satisfy the asynchronous TA Orientation requirement. Note: if you remove yourself from the Canvas course, CTL will not be able to verify your participation for your school/department.
In the GT TA Training Canvas course, you will find two optional (but highly recommended!) asynchronous modules:
- Module 6: Technology for the Remote TA
- Module 7: Teaching Tips for the Remote TA
Remote Synchronous TA Orientation Workshop Series
In addition to the asynchronous Canvas modules, you are invited (and may be required by your school/department) to attend one or more of these synchronous remote workshops. Each session will be offered two times. All times are Eastern.
Working as a TA in a Remote Learning Environment |
Friday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Working as a TA in the Socially-Distanced Classroom |
Thursday, August 20, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Advanced Grading: Mastering Canvas, Rubrics, and More |
Thursday, August 27, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
International TA Orientation |
Friday, August 21, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
REGISTER for a REMOTE WORKSHOP
GSI Teaching Seminar -- apply now!
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars serving as instructor of record are invited to join the Fall 2020 GSI Teaching Seminar. Sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning, this cohort will provide support and feedback as you navigate the experience of leading your own course. The current public health crisis will make fall 2020 a uniquely challenging semester. The GSI Teaching Seminar will be able to help you navigate issues around remote and hybrid teaching as well as socially-distanced classroom instruction.
Graduate Teaching Fellows
Graduate Teaching Fellows are advanced graduate students who contribute to the work of the Center for Teaching and Learning by designing and executing a project that supports TA and future faculty development in their college. They plan and present Institute-wide TA orientation programs, conduct teaching observations and consultations with graduate students and postdocs, and develop resources and workshops. Applicants to this fellowship will have considerable TA and teaching experience.
Workshops
From workshops on teaching and learning to sessions on developing your academic career, CTL offers a variety of workshops to enhance your role on campus and beyond.
Consultations and Observations
Teaching in any form can be a challenging undertaking. A teaching consultation can help you solve a specific issue or gather feedback to highlight your strengths and opportunities for improvement. You can also receive consultations about your academic job search. A classroom observation provides important feedback to inform your teaching development, while helping you build your portfolio of evidence of effective teaching. Consultations and observations are free and confidential.
TA Development Course: CETL 8000/2000
Some departments offer the CETL 8000 (and the undergrad equivalent CETL 2000) course to prepare TAs for their role. Students in this course will build a foundation for learner-centered teaching, experience self- and peer-feedback, practice using research-driven teaching techniques, and consider ways teaching can influence your continued career development. Currently, departments offering CETL 8000 courses include Biology, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Math, and Physics.