Graduate TAs and Postdocs are important members of the University of Iowa teaching community. Whether leading courses on their own or working closely with faculty, TAs and postdocs contribute to student success through designing courses, assisting professors, conducting labs, and developing research. The Center for Teaching aims to provide valuable resources and services for the unique needs of grad student TAs and postdocs.

Professional Development for Graduate Students & Postdocs

• New Teaching Assistant Orientation

         The Center for Teaching coordinates an introduction to being a teaching assistant at the UI. 

• Graduate fellows 

Graduate fellows are experienced graduate student instructors who collaborate with Center for Teaching staff members to learn the fundamentals of workshop design.

• Consultations

         Graduate TAs can request consultations to talk about their teaching challenges or aspirations. Topics

         of discussion might include increasing student engagement, classroom management, or

         incorporating technology into coursework. 
 

• Teaching Philosophies and Application Materials

          The Center for Teaching assists graduate students with developing teaching philosophies and other

           application materials.
 

• The Extraordinary Teaching Project

          The Extraordinary Teaching Project is a series of short videos that showcase the rich array of

          pedagogies and teaching philosophies that University of Iowa instructors incorporate into their

           teaching. This project highlights specific, effective teaching strategies and inspires innovation.
 

• Classroom Observation

          Invite Center for Teaching staff to observe and provide feedback about your teaching.
 

• Classroom Assessment by Student Interview (CLASSI)

         A CLASSI is a mid-semester service that allows students to reflect on their course and offer

         anonymous feedback to their instructors. CLASSIs allow instructors to better understand their

         students' experiences at a point in the semester when modifications are still possible.