Requirements for TAs who are Non-Native Speakers of English

To be appointed as a Teaching Assistant, graduate students who are not native speakers of English are required: (1) to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English, and (2) to participate in the International TA Program at CIDR. (Note: non-native speakers of English who received a Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. institution are not required to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English or to participate in the International TA Program.)

• Demonstrating Proficiency in Spoken English
• Participating in the International TA Program

Demonstrating Proficiency in Spoken English

Spoken English proficiency can be demonstrated by achieving a minimum score, as indicated, on one of the following spoken English proficiency tests:

• 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL iBT
• 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IELTS
• 70 on the Versant English Test
• 55 on the TSE
• 230 on the SPEAK test administered at the University of Washington (prior to July 2009)

Graduate students whose spoken English proficiency test results do not meet University of Washington requirements can also demonstrate proficiency by passing English 105 (a course for international teaching assistants offered by English Language Programs) before being assigned teaching duties.

Registering for the Versant English Test

The Versant English Test is offered periodically by the Office of Educational Assessment at the University of Washington. On Thursday, September 17th, additional afternoon sessions will be offered. To register for a September 17th test session, send an email to oeatests@u.washington.edu. Include the test date, your name, UW department, and UW student number (if known). After your message has been processed, you will receive a reply from the Office of Educational Assessment confirming your test time. For more information about the test, see: www.VersantTest.com.

Optional Versant English Test Overview Session

Students who plan to take the Versant English Test on Thursday, September 17th may also attend an optional Versant English Test Overview Session on Wednesday, September 16, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The overview session will allow you to learn more about the test and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. To register for this optional session, send a message to ita@cidr.washington.edu.

If you are not able to take the Versant test on September 17, please see the Versant English Test Information Sheet at the Office of Educational Assessment to find out about other testing dates and how to register for one of those dates.

Participating in the International TA Program

Graduate TAs who are not native speakers of English are also required to participate in the International TA Program during their first two quarters of teaching at UW. The International TA Program consists of two workshops at the TA Conference on the afternoon of Monday, September 21st, and ongoing workshops and activities during the year. The Program focuses on helping you in your role as an instructor, and addresses such topics as teaching methods, education in the U.S., and communicating effectively with your students in the classroom.

When you register for TA Conference workshops, you are required to sign up for ITA Program workshop sessions on the afternoon of Monday, September 21st:

• Getting to Know UW Students: Overview for International TAs (1:00 in Smith 120)
• Panel Discussion with Experienced International TAs (2:45 in Smith 120)

If you have questions about the International TA Program, you can call CIDR at 206-543-6588, or send a message to ita@cidr.washington.edu.

TA Conference Links

• TA Conference Home
• Conference Program
• Workshop Descriptions
• Department Recommendations
• Conference Registration
• Information for Departments
• Information for Facilitators
• Information for Non-Native Speakers of English
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact CIDR


• Download Conference Invitation

Related Links

• TA Conference Home
• Conference Program
• Workshop Descriptions
• Department Recommendations
• Conference Registration
• Information for Departments
• Information for Facilitators
• Information for Non-Native Speakers of English
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact CIDR

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.

To request disability accommodation contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or e-mail at dso@u.washington.edu

CIDR
Center for Instructional Development and Research
100 Gerberding Hall, Box 351265
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-1265

206.543.6588 (phone)
206.685.1213 (fax)

e-mail: TAConference@cidr.washington.edu
web: http://depts.washington.edu/cidrweb/TAConference/

© 2009 Center for Instructional Development and Research