2024 Graduate Teaching Orientation

Are you, or do you know, a graduate student who is teaching for the first time next fall?

Each year in August, 400-600 Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs) across Ohio State attend Graduate Teaching Orientation. While some of these GTAs teach courses, others teach as lab or studio instructors, recitation leaders, or graders. 

In past years, participants have shared that orientation eased their concerns about teaching for the first time, helped them feel part of Ohio State’s community of GTAs, and gave them valuable teaching strategies that they could immediately implement in their new roles.

This year, orientation will be presented in a primarily virtual format during the week of August 12. Throughout orientation week, participants will work to complete an asynchronous Carmen course that introduces basic concepts of teaching and learning, encourages participants to reflect on their educational experiences, and guides them through the process of planning for their first day. Participants will also have access to a variety of Zoom workshop sessions, including inclusive teaching, discussion facilitation, and effective presentation skills. An in-person day of orientation activities will be held on Thursday, August 15, which will include a workshop on active learning, an opportunity for hands-on teaching practice, and a resource fair.

Individual GTAs or department GTA coordinators who are interested in receiving more information about orientation, including the registration process, can email drakeinstitute@osu.edu. The institute will reach out to department contacts directly in March.