We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2024 GTA!

We have enough applicants for the fall cohort, but if you are interested in applying for the following year, let us know by submitting your name below. We will prioritize previous applicants.

“The GTA was more than a course and instead was a powerful experience, meaningful journey, and a catalyst which completely challenged and transformed my paradigm in the most optimal, beneficial ways. This course not only brought forth tangible and actionable outcomes to implement within current and future contexts, but provided a wealth of intangible growth for which I will be forever grateful.” – 2022 GTA Graduate

What is the Graduate Teaching Academy (GTA)?

The Graduate Teaching Academy (GTA) is a semester-long learning community for those interested in preparing for careers that involve teaching, inside and outside of academia. The GTA, which is open to ALL graduate students and post-docs, is a place for learning about effective teaching practices and strategies, connecting with peers, and developing your own understandings about the purpose of higher education.

The GTA involves readings, active learning opportunities, and discussion. Throughout the semester, we will read Radical Hope by Kevin Gannon, a text which explores timely issues related to equity-based teaching in the United States. Between meetings you will be expected to complete a small amount of work – this preparation will allow us to engage in meaningful discussions during our time together.

In-person meetings (in-person – participation strongly encouraged).

Alternative Wednesdays at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. (lunch voucher for use at the Bear’s Den provided).

Orientation and Welcome: August 28th

Core Meeting Dates and Topics:

• September 4th: Student centered learning
• September 18th: Developing your teaching philosophy
• October 2nd: Backwards design & learning
• October 16th: Developing an inclusive practice
• October 30th: Understanding the assessment landscape
• November 13th: Developing your practice, teaching philosophy revisited
• November 20th: Measures of teaching effectiveness (note that this meeting is early to accommodate Thanksgiving break)
• December 11th: Transferrable skills – applying what you know outside of academia

Wrap-Up and Celebration: December 18th

View the complete schedule of meetings and topics to get an idea of what the semester looks like. (Link opens a new tab in Google Docs). 

What will you be asked to do?

• Meet twice a month for an in-person 90 minute workshop and discussion.*
• Complete readings or assignments asynchronously with materials delivered through Brightspace.
• Participate in discussions.
• Write a teaching philosophy.
• Complete surveys and provide feedback to inform the development of the Graduate Teaching Academy.

*All meetings will be face-to-face in Fernald Hall. Zoom options can be made available for occasional meetings if required, but this program is designed to be in-person.

Additional opportunities to build your skillset:

Eight core meetings of the GTA will be complemented with several additional professional development opportunities. These optional opportunities will allow you to further develop your understanding of teaching & learning and make you more competitive for jobs that involve teaching (both inside and outside of academia).

Discussion & Application meetings will allow us to explore connections between the concepts in Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto by Kevin Gannon and your own teaching practice. 

Professional Development Workshops will provide trainings in topics such as developing inclusive syllabi, implementing mid-semester feedback forms, writing an inclusivity statement for academic job applications, and interpreting student evaluations of teaching (SETs). Topics will be influenced by the interest of the F24 GTA cohort. 

Who can apply?

Any graduate student or postdoc interested in learning more about effective, evidence-based teaching practices and strategies and marketing yourself for future employment. Preference will be given to post-doctoral associates and those in the last semester of their graduate program. Space is limited. The GTA is held in person and is best suited for participants who can commute to campus.