Graduate Teaching Associate Toolkit

This month for Graduate Teaching Toolkit, we will explore tips and conventions for writing diversity statements, a document that is commonly required for applications for faculty positions. This session is relevant for both GATA (Graduate Associate Teaching Award) applicants and graduate students who are preparing for the academic job market. Participants at any stage of the drafting process are welcome to attend.

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• identify and avoid common diversity statement pitfalls
• structure a diversity statement around goals, methods, and impact
• reflect on what they are currently doing to contribute to diversity, equity, or inclusion in their teaching, research, and service

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Wondering when and how to write a letter of recommendation for a student? Not sure how to ask an advisor for a letter of recommendation yourself? This workshop introduces participants to mentoring and advising strategies that can be used with undergraduate students, as well as strategies for fostering and maintaining successful relationships with faculty mentors and advisors.

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• reflect on their dual positions as mentors and mentees
• identify strategies for maintaining relationships with both undergraduate advisees and faculty advisors
• understand best practices for both writing and asking for letters of recommendation

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Regardless of their role, GTAs can be confronted with ‘hot moments’ – moments which are heated, offensive, or tense. This workshop will equip GTAs with skills for tackling difficult conversations in a variety of contexts: in the classroom, across email, and during office hours. Participants will gain confidence in preventing, managing, and following up on tough situations relevant to their specific role.

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• identify and practice strategies for addressing hot moments inside and outside the classroom
• reflect on how to best prevent future hot moments

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Classroom norms convey guidelines and expectations for classroom participation and behavior. Establishing classroom norms can help students more clearly understand what is expected of them and communicates that the classroom is a space of mutual respect between the instructor and students. During this session, we will explore the value of classroom guidelines and some strategies for developing guidelines in the classroom. 

After this workshop participants will be able to:

• reflect on the value of establishing clear classroom guidelines
• identify a variety of techniques for developing and communicating classroom norms
• consider how to respond when a classroom guideline is broken or ignored

Click here to register