Teaching Assistant Resources
Teaching Assistants (TAs) are key to the success of the university. New and returning TAs will find important information listed on this page to prepare for the classroom.
Be sure to check in with the academic department where you will be teaching for additional resources, guidelines, and policies.
Mandatory Nondiscrimination Training
This mandatory training provides information on how to create an inclusive classroom to ensure a positive learning environment for all students. Login through the myUMaine Portal and select the UMS Academy icon in the upper left menu.
Tools for Improving your Teaching Skills
Teaching workshops & Programs
The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) offers workshops and semester-long programs for graduate students looking to develop their teaching skills. Check out CITL’s opportunities for graduate students.
The Teaching Assistant Success Coalition
The TA Success Coalition (TASC) is a hands-on, community-focused program for UMaine’s newest TAs who are ready to become more confident, knowledgeable, and connected.
Brightspace
Brightspace Learning Environment is an innovative learning management system for creating, hosting, and editing online learning resources. It contains a flexible suite of tools for creating custom content for institutions, courses, and users.
- Learn more about Brightspace
- Take a Brightspace tutorial
- Self-paced Brightspace training
- CITL Brightspace training
Kaltura
Kaltura offers a broad video platform as a service, as well as turnkey video-based SaaS solutions across all these markets. Kaltura is the initiator and backer of an open-source video management project. Learn how to use Kaltura here.
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video communications app that allows you to set up virtual video and audio conferencing, webinars, live chats, screen-sharing, and other collaborative capabilities. If you’re new to Zoom, check out these tutorials. If you’ve used Zoom before, check out these Zoom tips and tricks.
The Center for innovation in teaching and learning
UMaine’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) includes learning design studios staffed with instructional designers and outfitted with video and audio production facilities. They also have resources for developing animations and graphics, and for experimenting with new technologies.
CITL currently develops and delivers a series of workshops, programs, and training for faculty and graduate students. Their focus is on areas relating to research and innovation in teaching and learning, including the use of new technologies in support of teaching.
Review the CITL’s Teaching Resources page for additional information.
Resources to share with your students
The Writing Center
Located at 402 Neville Hall, the Writing Center’s mission is to create longitudinal improvement in writing and communication through peer-to-peer collaboration. They provide professional development opportunities to both undergraduates and graduates.
Student Accessibility Services
Located on 139 Rangeley Road, the Student Accessibility Services office’s primary goal is to to work with students and campus partners to create an inclusive university experience for students with disabilities. We equip students with accommodations, remove barriers to educational access, and connect students with campus resources. We believe that a universally accessible campus benefits everyone.
The Tutor Program
The Office of Student Academic Success uses a digital platform called Knack where students can access tutoring services. Through Knack, students will schedule to meet with a tutor one on one online or in-person, and set up a meeting time at an approved location on campus, and begin working on course material.
Math Lab
The Math Lab is located in 120 Neville Hall. You can visit to study and work on your mathematics assignments. A staff member will be on hand to offer guidance. No appointment is necessary, just drop by any time the Math Lab is open.
