The Graduate Student Development Program of the Faculty Innovation Center is facilitating a selective program that connects senior undergraduate teaching ambassadors (UTAs) with International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) in order for ITAs to gain insight into the experience of being a UT undergraduate student.
ITAs will meet with UTAs at least four times (two one-on-one meetings, and two in group settings) throughout the spring semester to gain first-hand exposure to facets of undergraduate life such as undergraduate advising, residence hall life, and extracurricular activities. In addition, ITAs will receive feedback on two practice teaching sessions from undergraduate students and pedagogy experts.
How will I benefit?
Participants in this program will:
· receive nuanced, first-hand knowledge about the experiences of undergraduates at UT
· receive feedback on their teaching from undergraduates and pedagogy experts
· gain confidence as instructors
Who will benefit most from this program?
International graduate students who are interested in building their teaching skills and confidence in the classroom will gain the most from the Connect program. Having a teaching appointment for spring 2018 is not required in order to participate, but we have found that participants who will teach at some time during their time at UT or who want to teach post-graduation have benefitted the most from the program.
When will the meetings take place?
Once participants have been selected for the program, GSD will provide a menu of group meetings with various topics and times/locations that participants can choose from. In addition, UTAs will contact participants to set up individual meeting times.
How can I apply?
Complete the following application by Wednesday, January 31st at noon. You will be informed of acceptance as soon as possible.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Dr. Molly Hatcher at molly.hatcher@austin.utexas.edu.