Your GTA Resource Hub
Explore essential resources, professional development, and teaching support to thrive as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at KU. Welcome to our teaching community!
Welcome to KU's Graduate Teaching Community. This webpage is designed to be your go-to resource throughout your time as a GTA. Here, you’ll find everything from essential information about the New GTA Orientation to a wide array of professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your teaching skills. Additionally, we’ve gathered teaching-related policies and practices to help you navigate your responsibilities effectively, as well as resources to support your growth and success in the classroom.
Whether you’re preparing for your first day of teaching, looking to deepen your expertise, or seeking guidance on managing classroom challenges, this site has something for you. Remember, you’re part of a supportive community where collaboration and shared insights are key. Don’t hesitate to explore, ask questions, and connect with your peers and mentors.
New GTA Orientation
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are vital to the teaching mission at the University of Kansas, serving as instructors who shape the learning experiences of countless students. To ensure you’re fully prepared for this important role, all new GTAs are required to complete the mandatory New GTA Orientation, offered by the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) or an approved alternative provided by your department.
The CTE-led New GTA Orientation is designed to equip you with the essential tools and knowledge you need to succeed as an instructor at KU. This comprehensive training is divided into three key components:
New GTA Policy Tutorial
Familiarizes you with KU's teaching policies and practices.New GTA Conference Modules and Sessions
Provides an introduction to best teaching practices through synchronous sessions and asynchronous modules.New GTA Follow-up Session
Offers an opportunity to reflect on your teaching experiences and further develop your instructional strategies.
New GTAs must complete this training within their first semester of teaching. The CTE Conference, a central part of the orientation, consists of two synchronous sessions held the week before classes start and five asynchronous modules available through Canvas. These modules are designed to provide you with both a broad overview and specialized insights tailored to your specific teaching role.
For those in departments with an approved alternative orientation (e.g., Chemistry; Communication Studies; English; French, Francophone & Italian Studies; and Physics & Astronomy), only the Policy Tutorial and departmental training are required.
The Fall 2024 New GTA Orientation Conference Sessions will take place on Monday, August 19th, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Attendance at the in-person sessions listed below is mandatory for all new GTAs.
Schedule for New GTAs on August 19th:
- 9:00-9:30 AM: Check-in
- 9:30-11:00 AM: Welcome Session
- 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Lunch, resources, and time to work
- 1:00-2:30 PM: Discussion Session
- 3:00-3:30 PM: GTAC Info Session
Additional details about these sessions will be sent to your KU email once the New GTA Orientation Canvas course opens on August 5th. Make sure to check your email regularly and review the Canvas course materials.
Other Deadlines for New GTA Orientation:
- Essential Modules: Must be completed by 1:00 PM CT on August 19th.
- Policy Tutorial: Must be completed by the end of the day on August 25th.
- Breakout Modules: Must be completed by the end of the day on September 1st.
Follow-Up Session:
- Registration will be available via Qualtrics starting September 9th. You will receive an email notification to sign up for one of the one-hour follow-up sessions, which will take place between September 16th and October 11th.
As part of the Fall 2024 New GTA Orientation hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence, we have included materials that address critical topics such as non-discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, sex, and bias. We provide these materials to comply with Kansas House Bill 2105, which mandates publication requirements for diversity, non-discrimination, and related training materials.
For your convenience, you can access the full training PDF, which covers these essential topics, by clicking the link below:
This document contains valuable information and guidelines that are crucial for creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment at KU. We encourage you to review these materials thoroughly to support your teaching practices and to ensure that your classroom is welcoming and equitable for all students.
This page offers a condensed overview and direct links to essential teaching policies and practices for KU instructors, specifically designed for Graduate Teaching Assistants. Drawing on insights from discussions with new instructors, these resources address common teaching scenarios and provide guidance on policy-compliant responses. We aim to provide a valuable reference for your role as an instructor and community member at the university. For comprehensive policy details, please visit the Teaching-related Policies and Practices page.
Professional Development Opportunities & Workshops
Fridays on Fourth is a collaborative initiative between KU's Libraries, Writing Center, Office of Graduate Studies, and the Center for Teaching Excellence. Every Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, join us at Watson Library’s Graduate Student Study Lounge (Room 410) and throughout the fourth floor for research, write-ins, workshops, and Graduate Student Hours. This program offers a dedicated space and time for graduate students to engage in academic and professional activities. Visit the Fridays on Fourth webpage for more information.
Graduate Student Hours
These designated times allow you to:
- Ask specific questions or seek advice from experts in writing, research, and teaching.
- Receive tailored support for your academic and professional needs.
- Network and build connections across campus.
Join CTE's Kaila Colyott for Graduate Student Hours on Teaching
- September 13: 1-3 PM
- October 4: 1-3 PM
- October 18: 1-3 PM
I’d be happy to discuss your teaching challenges and successes, academic job market preparation, career options beyond academia, navigating graduate school as a first-gen student, and more.
I look forward to meeting you!
Details are coming soon!
CTE staff members are available to consult with graduate students on any topics related to teaching and learning.
Classroom practice. We are happy to meet with you about specific situations that arise in your class, whether you would like to learn more about lesson planning, discussion leading, classroom dynamics, or to discuss particular challenges.
Teaching and the job market. If you are preparing for the academic job market and would like resources for or feedback on your teaching statement, diversity statement, teaching portfolio or teaching demonstration, we encourage you to reach out.
Email Kaila Colyott at KColyott@KU.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss classroom practice, to review your teaching related job market materials, or to chat about teaching in general.
Resources for GTAs
Your Role as a GTA
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you bridge the gap between professors and students, enhancing the learning experience. Understand your responsibilities, build effective relationships, and engage with students to create a supportive and productive classroom environment.
Managing Your Time
Balancing responsibilities as a GTA can be challenging. This section offers strategies for tracking, prioritizing, and scheduling your time effectively. Discover techniques to improve productivity, combat procrastination, and make time for personal well-being. Find tools and tips to tailor these strategies to your unique needs.