Apply Now for the Fall 2024 GTA!
Applications will be reviewed starting on May 1st, but will remain open until all positions are filled. Applicants who apply before May 1st will be notified if they have been accepted by June 1st.
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.
“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
When does the GTA meet?
Alternate Wednesdays throughout the semester, from 12:00 – 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).
Important Dates:
Applications open April 15th, 2024
Review of application begins May 1st, 2024
*Applicants notified beginning June 1st, 2024
*Applications will remain open until the first meeting date, as long as space is available. Enrollment is capped at 24.
What will you learn about?
- Increasing student agency & engagement
- Writing a genuine teaching philosophy
- Inclusive & active teaching strategies
- Assessment strategies
- Principles of course design
- Developing an inclusive course syllabus
- Improving your teaching through feedback & reflection
- Translating skills outside of academia, and more!
What will you gain ?
- Knowledge of current research on teaching & learning
- Valuable skills to improve your teaching
- A cross-disciplinary peer group
- A polished teaching philosophy
- A letter of completion from CITL
- A letter to your advisor (at your request)
- Free lunch vouchers!!
- A modest stipend to those eligible*
*Graduate students must determine if they are eligible for payment
“The model worked really well for me and I’m very glad I applied to this program. Thank you for providing the books for the book club and the food vouchers and raffle books. I appreciate how hard you all worked to make this experience fun and meaningful to my future professional goals” – 2022 GTA Graduate
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.