Graduate Teaching Assistant Coaches Program

The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Coaches Program is a partnership between the Teaching Center and AS&E Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.

All academic departments have the opportunity to send their first-time graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) to a half-day training during orientation (typically in late August and mid-January). This training prepares GTAs through opportunities to practice pedagogical techniques and the review of important information about teaching best practices, student support services, and policies. Academic departments notify students directly about this training. If a department has not notified students about participation, students can inquire directly with their departmental graduate coordinator.

More experienced GTAs may be interested in serving as a GTA Coach who delivers this programming. The GTA Coaches Program uses a train-the-trainer model in which AS&E GEPA hires and the Teaching Center trains experienced GTAs as coaches, mentors and trainers for first-time GTAs. The preparatory training occurs in a series of sessions led by Teaching Center staff over the summer. AS&E GEPA provides a stipend covering the preparatory training, the delivery of the orientation training, and associated assessment activities.

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications for summer 2024 GTA coaches. Complete the online application by April 15, 2024.

Eligibility

GTAs from the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences with at least two semesters of experience as a graduate teaching assistant or equivalent experience.

Benefits of Being a GTA

You will learn how to support the instructional responsibilities of graduate teaching assistants as you design and implement a three-hour training for first-time GTAs. You'll develop your own instructional skills by integrating evidence-based practices such as active learning, inclusive and accessible design, and supportive facilitation.

Requirements

You will complete an in-person training (seven, 90-minute sessions) in July and August, 2024, and develop an in-person three-hour training session for new GTAs which you will lead on August 20, 2024. Selected GTA Coaches may be asked to lead an additional training on January 16, 2025.

The 2024 GTA Coaches Training Dates are:
JULY
Tuesday, July 16, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Thursday, July 18, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, July 23, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Thursday, July 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am

AUGUST
Tuesday, August 6, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, August 13, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Thursday, August 15, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Compensation

The position comes with a $750 stipend and a letter of recognition from the AS&E Dean of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. Coaches selected for the January 16, 2025 training will receive an additional $250.

Contact

If you have questions regarding the GTA Coaches Program please email teachingcenter@rochester.edu.