| Abstract | Elements of our reinvigorated professional development program for GTAs include (1) a one-day orientation, (2) competency screening through faculty and peer evaluation of a teaching demonstration, (3) oral English language proficiency exams for nonnative English speakers, (3) a web-based, one-credit GTA certification course, including modules on syllabi, teaching strategies, assessment, and other key topics and a live workshop on professional issues, (4) department-based training, (5) end-of-semester evaluations of GTAs by faculty mentors, and (6) GTA evaluations of their experiences. We have also instituted four University-wide Outstanding GTA Awards and created a career ladder culminating in appointment as a Teaching Fellow to allow late-stage doctoral students to teach courses independently with guidance from a faculty mentor. Next steps include expanding opportunities for professional development through the offerings of the University's Center for Instructional Design and Development. |
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