Activities to prepare TAs vary widely from one department to another. Most UW departments ask their TAs to attend the Annual TA Conference on Teaching and Learning, and many also hold their own orientation for TAs before classes begin each autumn. A number of departments have ongoing meetings or activities related to TAs' current teaching roles in the department, and some hold professional development workshops and seminars on teaching in their discipline.
TA Preparation at UW is the responsibility of each department, based on the belief that elements of effective teaching and learning vary across disciplines, courses, and students who typically enroll in them. UW supports this discipline-specific approach by providing resources for departmental TA training programs through the Graduate School and CIDR.
CIDR hosts the Annual TA Conference on Teaching and Learning for all UW TAs, and provides the year-long ITA Program for newly appointed international TAs. CIDR also contributes to ongoing TA professional development in a number of departments. Examples of CIDR contributions to TA professional development include microteaching, workshops customized to meet particular department needs, and individual consulting for TAs on their questions related to teaching and learning. CIDR and the Graduate School also collaborate on a number of additional teaching-related programs and opportunities especially for TAs.
Finally, CIDR staff are available to consult with faculty and Lead TAs on the design and assessment of their department's program of TA preparation and supervision. To arrange a meeting with a CIDR consultant, call 206-543-6588, or contact us by email to arrange an appointment.
