Welcome to Teaching at Umaine

We are glad you’re here! Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) are critical members of our learning community. Your contributions to instructing courses, leading laboratories, assisting with grading, facilitating learning and connecting to students are much appreciated – undergraduate education at the University would not be possible without the hard work of TAs. 

Bananas the UMaine mascot jumping in the air in front of the Folger Library

TA Guidebook

Developing as an instructor is a life-long journey. We intend for this digital guide to help you start this journey with a strong understanding of basic principles of effective, inclusive instruction. This guide will also provide equity-based teaching practices for TAs in the undergraduate college classroom. It is written with particular attention to the unique characteristics of being a graduate teaching assistant, and the benefits and challenges that come with this role. We recommend to start from left to right in the menus above for comprehensive guidance.

This guidebook was written by former CITL Graduate Assistant Dr. Alice Hotopp and has been co-edited by various TAs and CITL staff.

Questions or comments: citlworkshop@maine.edu

For access to a downloadable version of this website click below:

TA Teaching Guide

*If you are looking for an overview of policies regarding teaching at the University of Maine, refer to the University’s TA Handbook, maintained by the Graduate School.

The role that TAs perform in the classroom is central to the undergraduate experience at UMaine. In this role, you’re positioned to:

  • Provide undergraduate students encouragement, guidance, and feedback.
  • Aid students in cultivating good study habits and an understanding of how to succeed academically.
  • Ensure understanding of course material and answer questions.
  • Act as an intermediary between students and their instructors in large-enrollment courses.
  • Establish a classroom culture in which students of all backgrounds can thrive.
Student sitting on a desk and looking at the camera smiling. Students behind her laughing at looking at a computer.

your experiences matter

If you are worried about having not received any prior training in teaching, you are not alone. Unfortunately, it is common for TAs (or faculty!) to begin their teaching appointments feeling underprepared and overwhelmed. However, know that you have more experiences to draw from than you might think – reflecting back on time spent as a learner can help you become a better educator and informal teaching skills translate well into the classroom. Further, we hope that this guide will serve as a useful resource that will help increase your confidence as you begin teaching.

the center for innovation in teaching and learning is here for you

Because of your essential role, we encourage you to invest in your instructional skills and learn about current research on pedagogy in higher education. In turn for your hard work, we know from years of experience that teaching can be highly rewarding, contributing to your sense of community and helping you develop life-long skills in communication and leadership. Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) exists to help support and train educators at UMaine; this guide is part of CITL’s effort to help graduate students feel valued for their efforts, improve their teaching, and make the most of their time as TAs. 

CITL WEBSITE