TO: Deans, Department Chairs and Directors, Graduate Studies Chairs
FROM: Ed Ray,
Executive Vice President and Provost
DATE: May 13, 2003
SUBJECT: GTA Preparation and Ongoing Support
Despite the difficult budgetary times we currently face, we must maintain our commitment to the principles articulated in the Academic Plan. It is especially important for us to continue to improve the quality of the teaching and learning experience of our students. And critical to that goal is the improvement of the teaching preparation programs we provide for our Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs).
As you know, at both the department/school and the institutional levels we have long provided a variety of services designed to strengthen the teaching capacity of GTAs. In particular, the central administration and many academic units provide introductory training for new GTAs, and we give particular attention especially to the needs of our international teaching associates (ITAs) through provision of English-as-a-Second-Language instruction and an extensive testing program of English speaking/listening skills before allowing ITAs to enter the classroom. However, we can and should do more, both to assure that our undergraduates receive the best instruction possible andóas strongly recommended in the G-QUE Report ófor the professional development of our graduate students.
Toward these ends, I have allocated significant new funding from central reserves for enhanced training of teaching associates. These funds can be used collaboratively, supporting both department/school activities and programming through the Office of Faculty and TA Development (FTAD.) The highest priority for this funding is to assure that all GTAs receive a baseline of preparation and ongoing support for their teaching. Many academic units already provide baseline support; this new initiative will fund enhancements to existing programs, the development of new ones, and the dissemination of ideas and expertise across the University. Requiring new GTAs to participate in FTADís orientation conference during the week prior to Autumn Quarter and then to follow up with some FTAD workshops can be a good approach; or departments/schools can provide significant appropriate activities of their own. And, of course, a partnership between the academic unit and FTAD can also be valuable.
It is important to note: departments that already have an organized system of TA training need only check to be sure their approach meets the minimal requirements spelled out in the attached and then report on their program to the Office of Academic Affairs.
For units that need to enhance their TA training efforts, the following resources will be available and policies will apply (see attachment for details):
Units that appoint GTAs must provide or arrange for the following:
- Initial preparation activities that include at least the baseline areas listed in the attached (ìPolicy on GTA Preparation and Ongoing Supportî).
- Phased, ongoing support of the professional development of GTAs as teachers.
- Communication of this requirement to new GTAs in their letter of offer.
- A faculty member or A&P staff person with appropriate background to oversee the preparation, support, and teaching efforts of GTAs.
Effective July 2003, each department will report to the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) its plans for initial preparation and ongoing support of GTAs. Thereafter OAA will require annual reports describing training activities and any significant changes in such programs.
The Office of Faculty and TA Development will increase its support of units in the following ways:
- provide consultation and support to all units on devising their own programs,
- expand existing central programs to accommodate increased demand,
- convene regular meetings of GTA coordinators,
- publish a web site for the sharing of exemplary practices,
- offer seed grants for development of significant new programs,
- distribute mini-grants for the professional development of GTA coordinators,
- expand the Graduate Teaching Fellows program,
- present an annual award for model GTA programs.
On May 5th the Graduate School will sponsor a workshop for GTA coordinators and others to help departments that want to develop or enhance their own plans. Alan Kalish, the director of Faculty and TA Development, will also be contacting you soon to provide help in beginning the collaborative process.
GTA Preparation and Ongoing Support
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