Teaching Assistant Resources

Getting Ready to Teach

1. Sign up for CTL Workshops

Teaching workshops are available every Fall and Spring. Registration is required.

Many of the CTL workshops culminate to two teaching certificates:

  • Essentials of Teaching and Learning Certificate: This workshop series provides a foundation in important aspects of teaching and learning in higher education. It includes topics such as Inclusive Teaching, an Introduction to Active Teaching and Learning, Syllabus Design, Learning Objectives, and Giving and Receiving Feedback.
  • Essentials of Learning Technologies Certificate: This workshop series provides a foundation in essential learning technologies available at UNC Charlotte.

Note: Each Fall semester, CTL hosts a series of workshops on a range of topics such as Canvas, Poll Everywhere, active learning, giving feedback, syllabus 101, introduction to learning objectives, generative AI, Inclusive Teaching and Learning, etc.

2. Sign up for Self-Paced Workshops

The CTL offers a wide list of self-paced short courses that anyone can self-enroll such as those below:

  • Starting with a Fresh Canvas (2 hrs)
  • Canvas Assignments and Gradebook (2 hrs)
  • Canvas Studio Training Resources (1 hr)
  • Teaching with Zoom (2 hrs)
  • Accessibility 101: Creating Accessible Courses (3 hrs)
  • Universal Design for Learning (2 hrs)
  • Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Classroom (15 min)

3. Access Online Teaching Guides

Online teaching guides are written by instructional designers and faculty experts. They contain short readings/articles on a very specific skill or concept that can benefit all teaching assistants:

4. Establish a Communication Plan between Teaching Assistants and Instructors

Many teaching assistants have different / varied responsibilities anywhere from teaching, research, grading, office hours, etc. The training needs are dependent on each assistant’s actual duties and disciplinary context. However, all teaching assistants and instructors need to manage effective communication. Here are some strategies to establish a communication plan:

  • Schedule “meet and greet” orientations between instructors members and the teaching assistants. See First Meeting Conversation Template
  • Develop a clear description on the roles of the teaching assistant and the instructor.
  • Establish in regular check-ins. ​Regular meetings are useful to review upcoming content for class. Working closely together enables the instructor to recognize the developing skill sets of the preceptors and to provide support or feedback so that they can improve.
  • Gather class feedback regularly. Consistent communication with the teaching assistant alerts the instructor on common areas of misunderstanding or misconceptions and gives us the opportunity to provide proactive suggestions to support students.

More Campus Resources For New Teaching Assistants:

PRACTICING CIVILITY IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Apply Strategies to Maintain Civility in the Classroom

Learn practical advice and strategies to prevent and respond to disruptive behavior in the classroom from Legal Affairs.

2. Maintain Open Dialogue and Empathy

Empathy may always be an asset in establishing classroom climates of trust and mutual support, but it is especially important in the context of extreme environmental stressors and turbulence. Review Teaching Guide: Using Cognitive Empathy in the Classroom

3. Practice with Scenarios on Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Classroom

Complete a micro-training course on Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Classroom (15 min) to explore two real-world scenarios related to verbal altercations to help you decide the best response to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.  You will evaluate various responses to classroom situations, deciding whether you think that response is appropriate or inappropriate. Enroll Here

4. Foster Growth Mindset in Activities and Assessments

Join this 1-hour interactive workshop and discover five powerful activities that fosters growth mindset among your students, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Explore reflective journaling, collaborative problem-solving, effective feedback strategies, goal setting, and the influence of guest speakers and role models. Leave with practical tools and techniques to create a dynamic and empowering learning environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your teaching and inspire student growth. Enroll Here

More Campus Resources on Civility in the Classroom:

Campus resources are available to support faculty in understanding and managing potential threatening behaviors:

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Get Mentored by a CTL Staff or CTL Faculty Fellow

If you have specific questions , CTL staff and faculty fellows are highly experienced instructors who can provide mentorship and 1-1 consultations on teaching strategies, effective use of technology, course design, assessment design, or navigating challenging and fuzzy situations.

Put in a ticket to request for a 1-1 consultation